We recently connected with Cody McCollum and have shared our conversation below.

Cody, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

Lack of Personal Connection: Corporate entities often overlook the importance of building strong relationships with both customers and the environment. In contrast, The Big Bend Fungi Company prioritizes creating a personal connection with our community. We engage with our customers, sharing our passion for mushrooms, and ensuring they understand the benefits and uses of our products. This personal touch is something I believe sets The Big Bend Fungi Company apart.

Story: One memorable experience was when a customer reached out after trying our Reishi mushrooms for the first time. They shared how it had a profoundly positive impact on their well-being, and they were amazed at the difference it made in their health. This kind of personal connection and impact is often lost in large-scale corporate operations.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship: Large corporations sometimes overlook sustainable practices in the pursuit of mass production. Our industry relies on healthy ecosystems, and at The Big Bend Fungi Company, we’re committed to being good stewards of the land. We use sustainable cultivation methods and maintain a symbiotic relationship with nature. This ecological mindfulness is often overshadowed by the short-term profit goals of Corporate America.

Anecdote: We had an opportunity to collaborate with a local school on an educational project, teaching students about the importance of mycology and sustainable farming. It’s a stark contrast to the environmental concerns raised by some larger corporations in our industry, and it shows the impact we can have when we prioritize sustainability.

In essence, our approach, as a small local mushroom farm, is deeply rooted in community, sustainability, and a passion for fungi! We believe this sets us apart and showcases what corporate entities might overlook or undervalue in the industry.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

About The Big Bend Fungi Company: The Big Bend Fungi Company is a small local gourmet and medicinal mushroom farm nestled in the picturesque desert landscapes of West Texas. The journey began as a humble passion project, fueled by a deep fascination with the incredible world of mushrooms and their potential to enhance human health and well-being. What started as a personal interest quickly grew into a full-fledged business endeavor, and its been an exciting adventure ever since.

My Entry into the Industry:
As the owner, my journey into the world of mushroom farming was a serendipitous one. I’ve always had a profound love for nature and a deep appreciation for the beauty of our environment. This led me to discover the captivating world of mushrooms and their immense potential. I embarked on a journey of learning and experimentation, which eventually led to the establishment of The Big Bend Fungi Company. My background in applied science and my passion for sustainable living further inspired me to create a business that aligns with my values.

Our Products and Services:
At The Big Bend Fungi Company, we’re dedicated to providing a diverse range of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. Our products include gourmet mushroom varieties for culinary enthusiasts, and we also offer medicinal mushrooms with remarkable health benefits. We cultivate our mushrooms using sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, ensuring the highest quality.

What Sets Us Apart:
There are a few key elements that set us apart:

Local, Sustainable Farming: We take pride in our commitment to local, sustainable farming. Our operation is deeply rooted in West Texas, and we believe in being good stewards of the land.

Quality and Freshness: Our mushrooms are grown with care and attention to detail, ensuring they reach our customers at the peak of their freshness and nutritional value.

Community Engagement: We’re not just a business; we’re a part of our community. We actively engage with local schools, organizations, and individuals to spread awareness about the importance of mycology and sustainable farming.

What We’re Most Proud Of:
One of our proudest moments was witnessing the positive impact of our products on people’s health. We’ve received countless stories from customers who have experienced life-changing improvements in their well-being through the consumption of our medicinal mushrooms. Knowing that we’re making a difference in people’s lives is incredibly rewarding.

What We Want You to Know:
For potential clients, followers, fans, & supporters, we want you to know that we’re more than just a mushroom farm; we’re a passionate community dedicated to fostering well-being, sustainability, and a deeper connection to nature. Our products are not just about food – they’re about enriching your life with the natural gifts of the earth. We invite you to join us on this journey, experience the fascinating world of fungi, firsthand.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Farming, in general, is a pursuit that demands unwavering resilience due to the inherent unpredictability of nature. Our journey at The Big Bend Fungi Company has been no exception.

One of the most significant challenges faced is dealing with the unpredictable nature of farming itself. Weather conditions, pests, diseases, and other variables can impact the success of any crop, and mushrooms are no exception.

For instance, we’ve encountered several periods of unpredictable weather which bring with it its own unique challenges. These challenges threaten the entire crop and have been disheartening. However, in the face of adversity, I’ve had to adapt and find innovative solutions to overcome these hurdles.

It’s a reminder that in the world of farming, you’re often at the mercy of Mother Nature, and to thrive, you must be resilient, adaptable, and resourceful. Such experiences have taught me the importance of contingency planning, learning from setbacks, and continuing to nurture my passion for mushrooms, community, & environment, even when faced with setbacks.

The resilience I’ve developed on this journey has not only made me a better farmers but has also deepened my appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. It’s a reminder that, in farming, every challenge is an opportunity to grow, learn, and become more resilient in the face of the unpredictable forces of nature.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a moment in my mushroom farming journey when I realized that to truly succeed, I needed to master myself, my skills, and my approach. It wasn’t about changing the direction of my business, but it was a profound personal pivot that unlocked the potential for growth and success.

Early on, I encountered challenges and setbacks that were disheartening. The unpredictable nature of farming, as mentioned earlier, was a significant factor. It became evident that to thrive in this industry, I needed to develop resilience, patience, and a deep understanding of the intricate art and science of mushroom cultivation.

This pivot towards self-mastery involved:

Education: I immersed myself in the world of mycology, learning everything I could about mushrooms, their growth patterns, and the intricacies of different species. Continuous learning was paramount to mastering my craft.

Mindset: I developed a growth mindset, which allowed me to view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. It was a shift from seeing setbacks as failures to seeing them as stepping stones to success.

Discipline: Mastering mushroom farming required discipline and consistency. I had to be meticulous in my daily routines, monitoring the growth conditions, and ensuring that every aspect of my operation was optimized.

Adaptability: The pivot towards self-mastery also involved becoming adaptable to new techniques and technologies. It meant embracing change and innovation, even if it meant stepping out of my comfort zone.

As I honed these aspects of self-mastery, the success of The Big Bend Fungi Company followed suit. I have witnessed increased crop yields, improved quality, greater customer satisfaction, and have added real value to my customers and community. It was a powerful lesson that the real pivot in my journey was not in changing the business direction but in changing myself.

This experience reinforces the notion that personal growth and mastery are the keys to success in any field. It’s a philosophy I continue to live by, not just in business but in life itself. Mastering oneself is the foundation upon which all achievements are built, and it’s a journey I’m committed to every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bigbendfungicompany.com
• Instagram: @thebigbendfungicompany
• Facebook: @thebigbendfungicompany
• Youtube: @thebigbendfungicompany