Marc Walraven is an aeroponic farming innovator and the founder of UrbanRooted Innovations, a company helping schools, restaurants, and local communities grow fresh food using solar-powered vertical farming towers. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Marc left behind a career in mechanical engineering to pursue sustainable urban agriculture. His SkyGrow system, built from scratch in his backyard, now powers gardens across the city. He’s a hands-on builder, a quiet problem-solver, and a passionate teacher who believes growing your own food is a human right — not a privilege.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I’m up before the sun, usually around 5:30 AM. I spend the first hour checking on the grow towers at my test site — water levels, nutrient mix, solar panels, that kind of thing. Then I get into my workshop and focus on building or repairing units, or running data checks. I don’t multitask. I block out a few hours for each task and shut out distractions. I also keep my phone in a drawer most of the day. If something’s urgent, they know where to find me.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start with a sketch and a problem. For me, a good idea solves something that’s actually annoying someone in real life — not just an abstract concept. I’ll tinker until I have a working model. If I can explain it to a 12-year-old and they get excited, I know I’m on the right track. I build things with my hands first, then test in the field. Tech should come later, if needed.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The return to simplicity. People are getting tired of over-engineered solutions. I’m seeing more interest in low-tech, sustainable systems that work without apps or subscriptions. That excites me. We’re remembering that not everything needs to be “smart” to be smart.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Fix things the moment they break. Don’t let small problems pile up. Whether it’s a cracked hose or a missed email — address it, then move on. Clutter, physical or mental, drains you.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Stop trying to impress people with complexity. Make things simple. That’s harder, but it’s the real test of good design.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
You don’t need a startup pitch deck to solve a community problem. You just need tools, time, and people who care. Most real-world change doesn’t look like a TED Talk.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Spend time in silence, around plants. Sounds weird, but it resets your brain. We’re not designed to scroll all day. Watching something grow reminds you how time actually works.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I go outside and trim my basil plants. Seriously. The smell grounds me. Then I clean my workbench. Order helps me think.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Give first. I built systems for free at schools when no one knew my name. I taught workshops without charging. That built trust. People remember who showed up when there wasn’t a paycheck.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
My first tower design leaked — badly. I had promised a working system for a school and it flooded their science lab floor. Instead of making excuses, I went back the next day, rebuilt it over a weekend, and taught the kids what went wrong. That failure turned into trust. Lesson? Own your messes. Fix them fast. Be honest.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Start a seed library in your neighborhood. Collect seeds from community gardens, store them in envelopes with planting instructions, and let neighbors “check them out.” It builds food independence and conversation.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Notion to track grow cycles, field test notes, and workshop tasks. It’s simple enough to not get in the way but flexible enough to hold my chaos. I keep one page per grow tower and a weekly journal for notes.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It reminded me that science and storytelling can go hand in hand. Also that plants are not just objects — they’re part of a relationship we’ve forgotten.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I liked The Biggest Little Farm. It shows how complicated and beautiful nature is when you work with it instead of trying to control it. It also made me laugh and cry — usually at the same time.
Key learnings
- Start small and solve real problems. Marc’s journey proves you don’t need big money or a fancy launch to make a difference — just hands-on action and purpose.
- Simple is powerful. Whether it’s tech, design, or communication, Marc believes in cutting through the noise to focus on what actually works.
- Lead by example. Giving first and showing up with consistency builds trust faster than any ad campaign or sales pitch ever could.