Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Puppe.

Hi Justin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

Hello my name is Justin Puppe and my journey with fungi started at the age of 17 years old. I was sitting in my room, casually listening to the Joe Rogan Experience podcast featuring Paul Stamets. Stamets went into much detail about fungi and the fascinating things that they can do. I had never really thought about mushrooms or their role in the world. Hearing about what possibilities they hold for our future sparked something deep within me. At that moment, I knew I had found a new passion that I wanted to explore.

This curiosity led me to dive into books, documentaries, and articles about fungi. What I’ve learned is just mind-blowing. Mushrooms aren’t just a side dish for our meals, but are key players in our ecosystems. They are responsible for breaking down organic matter, and even offering potential solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges.

As I continued learning, I started to experiment with cultivating my own mushrooms indoor. I started immediately with a wide library of species. About a year into cultivating, I had discovered my first major discovery. I had set up an experiment using aluminum trays within a small grow tent, and I noticed that one particular species was producing metabolites and enzymes that were actually degrading the bottoms of the aluminum trays. This discovery blew my mind and deepened my fascination with fungi. as I truly began to understand their potential to positively impact the environment.

That moment had enhanced my desire to dive deeper into the world of fungi. It had started to become clear to me that I wanted to turn this passion into a business and a living. In early, 2024, I founded Mycelium Work. My goal is to explore and share the amazing potential of fungi. I sell products online to help people learn how to cultivate their own mushrooms, making it easier for anyone to dive into the world of fungi. Looking ahead, Im excited to focus more on the biotech side of things. I want to create materials and products from mycelium that can help solve real-world problems.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

My journey has definitely not been a smooth road. For a few years, I worked in IT, but felt that something was always missing. Even though I had a stable career, I felt unfulfilled. Deep down, I knew my true passion was in fungi because the more I learned about them, the more I realized that this was where I truly belonged.

Making the decision to leave my IT career was not an easy decision. It meant stepping away from a comfortable, predictable path to take a leap into unknown. I knew I had to follow my passion, even if it meant facing uncertainty and scary feelings of emotion. Since then, I’ve poured my time, energy, and life into working with fungi. There have been many challenges starting a business, learning the ins and outs of mushroom cultivation, and dealing with the twists and turns of entrepreneurship. Every obstacle has been worth it and I’ve never looked back. I have now dedicated my full life to fungi and building Mycelium Work. It has not been easy, but it’s been the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made. I have been finding some incredible opportunities along the way and I am excited to see what the next few years has in store.

As you know, we’re big fans of Mycelium Work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

My business, Mycelium Work, is all about fungi! Specifically, how amazing they are and how much potential they have to improve our environment and world. Mycelium Work specializes in cultivating a variety of culinary mushrooms and providing people with the tools and knowledge they need to start cultivating their own at home. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a first grow kit or a restaurant wanting fresh, locally grown mushrooms, Mycelium Work has you covered.

What makes Mycelium Work different is our commitment to sustainability and the bigger picture. I am not just about growing mushrooms, and I believe fungi can help solve some of the world’s biggest environmental problems. This is why Mycelium Work will explore mycelium-based materials that could replace harmful, non-biodegradable products. I have a vision for a more sustainable future.

At the end of the day, Mycelium Work is about more than just mushrooms. It’s about making a positive impact in our world today. Whether that’s by cultivating mushrooms, educating others, or exploring eco-friendly alternatives. I work with plastic-eating fungi and other types of fungi to see what they can decompose, aiming to find new ways to handle environmental challenges. The mission is to share the potential of fungi and connect with people who are passionate about building a more sustainable future.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?

The quality that I feel has been most important to my success today is my determination and work ethic. Over the years, I’ve taught myself the value of consistency, particularly by upholding healthy routines like going to the gym daily. This habit has instilled a mindset of discipline and perseverance that I apply to every aspect of my life, including my business. Building Mycelium Work has not been easy, but my commitment to showing up every day has been crucial. Even on the days when I’m least motivated, I still show up and push through, because I know that consistent effort is how to see progress. I personally believe that steady effort over time is the key to achieving long-term success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://myceliumwork.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mycelium.Work/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561116404844
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/justin-puppe-488531292
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyceliumWork
• Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/BSLyP5XJbNiMEdrTY9m2Zg
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@myceliumwork