“We have an international focus and will be expanding into four more countries by the end of the year: Japan, Norway, South Africa and Australia. We’re also seeing a lot of interest in South America and Mexico and some in Canada.
“Much of the company’s emphasis has been on developing and expanding our intellectual property. We have developed our foundational IP now and nearly 70 patent properties and trademarks are pending. Our current focus in the marketplace is using our technology to make nutrition more efficient. Our other emphasis is developing intellectual property that stimulates further innovation. Our mission is based on a grower initiative that taps into that innovation, so we need to control and protect it.”
Aqua-Yield Business Structure Aqua-Yield had a humble beginning like every new company, with hurdles to jump to get things up and going. Every organization needs a clearly defined structure outlining areas of responsibility. Originally, Clark oversaw operations, serving as COO, and Warren was CEO.
Clark says, “We’ve looked closely at our operations, something every company should do frequently. To take better advantage of our individual strengths, we’ve restructured.
“I’m the CEO. Tat makes me the primary salesman and the company’s spokesperson for marketing and communicating with the media. I’m in the field and see the farmers and their soil and tissue tests. I define my role as the evangelist for nanotech in agribusiness.
“Tere are times, working together in the family business, when my Pop and I have different ideas and opinions. Tough that’s rare, when we do disagree, we’re not afraid to debate the issue and figure it out. For those that don’t get along on certain subjects, I can see how working together could be difficult and create friction in both the family relationship and the co-worker relationship.
“A huge advantage is the trust level. It’s rare to have that degree of trust in a business situation where people are working together every day. I am very blessed to work with my father. Our offices are next to each other. I have my mentor, father and co-worker right beside me. Together, we’re expanding a startup globally. It’s not rags to riches, but it’s still something very special to be able to experience that growth with a family member.
American Business Awards On May 6, 2017, Aqua-Yield gained national recognition winning four American Business Awards, or Stevies. (Stevie is the Greek word meaning, “crowned.”)
Aqua-Yield was awarded the Gold Stevie for small Company of the Year in the energy category. Aqua-Yield also won three bronze Stevie Awards: small Company of the Year in Manufacturing, Energy Innovation of the Year, and a singular honor for the company’s Chief Science Officer, Landon Bunderson, as New Product Developer of the Year.
Te American Business Awards are the nation’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S. are eligible to submit nominations— public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.
Warren Bell is an innovator and always eager to explore new ideas.
“My father is a thoughtful, brilliant, dedicated man who excels in building relationships and handling the detail- oriented work. He is now our Chairman.
“Dr. Landon Bunderson remains in his role as Chief Science Officer. He has the scientific expertise to keep the technology moving forward so he directs our research and development. Innovative solutions work hand-in- hand with research and development. I can come up with some of the product ideas. I’m not a chemist, but I can work with the chemists to share my vision with them. Dr. Bunderson’ s role in investor relations is to explain and clarify the concept.
TPI Turf News July/August 2017
More than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories. “Each year the judges find the quality and variety of the nominations to be greater than the year before. Te 2017 competition was intense and every organization that has won should be proud,” said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of the Stevie Awards.
While the company has gained much recognition locally and regionally, the national exposure is exciting. Bell says, “For the Stevie Awards, 190 independent judges rank the entrants. It was our first exposure to any of them, so gaining the awards makes us proud, but at the same time, it’s humbling. Tese four awards are recognition of the technology and innovation that Aqua-Yield has provided
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