We recently connected with Brian Grover and have shared our conversation below.
Brian, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Fox Point Farms was born from the idea of building community through agriculture, creating a space where people could reconnect with the land, their food, and each other. I saw a growing shift in what people were seeking–a return to a more connected neighborhood experience that takes things a step further, offering a lifestyle that emphasizes interaction with neighbors, access to local food systems, and a deeper understanding of the environment. It became clear that there was an opportunity to create something that would truly resonate with the Encinitas community, meeting the demand for a place where engagement is naturally built into the design. With excitement and passion driving the project, Fox Point Farms quickly became something that felt both meaningful and necessary.
As San Diego’s first agrihood community, Fox Point Farms is leading the way in sustainable, community-driven living in Southern California. What truly sets us apart is our unique circular micro-economy, though. Produce and goods grown on-site fuel an entire interconnected ecosystem that residents, farmers, artisans, and visitors are all actively involved in, made up of everything from a farmstand (Harvest Market) to several restaurants (Haven Farm + Table and Huerta Tacos), an organic farm-to-tap brewery (Fox Point Brewing Co), an apothecary (Heal Botanics), and more. This approach not only reduces waste, but also strengthens community ties.
It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of something like Fox Point Farms–having the chance to live in and contribute to this community each day is deeply fulfilling. I’m excited to see how it continues to grow and evolve!
Brian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m the founder of Fox Point Farms and Nolen Communities, the developer behind San Diego’s first agrihood community. As a California native, I’ve always had an appreciation for the beauty of the land, which has shaped both my personal and professional approach to community development. I graduated from UC San Diego with degrees in structural engineering and urban planning, and later attended UNC Chapel Hill for graduate studies in urban design, all of which laid the foundation for my career in real estate and development. Since the beginning of my career, I’ve had a passion for creating spaces that not only meet the needs of residents, but also foster a sense of connection, sustainability, and building a thoughtful, resilient community that enhances quality of life while respecting the environment.
Before founding Nolen Communities, I served as principal of Dudek, an environmental planning and consulting firm based in Encinitas, where I led entitlement and development projects across California. This experience taught me how to integrate functionality with thoughtful, place-driven design. It was through founding Nolen Communities that I was then able to dedicate myself to projects that prioritize environmental stewardship and community engagement, though.
Fox Point Farms is the culmination of nearly two decades of work, and bringing my vision for a sustainable, future-focused community to life–one that will leave a lasting impact on its residents and the surrounding environment. At the core of Fox Point Farms is agriculture, which drives everything we do. We’ve created a unique model where residential living is intertwined with a working farm, brewery, market, full-service restaurants, and more, in an effort to work toward a self-sustaining, community-driven ecosystem.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Our reputation at Fox Point Farms has been shaped by our commitment to a community-first mindset in all we do. We’ve built our name by inviting the San Diego community to get involved in the work we do, fostering a sense of shared purpose. Through farm tours, farm-to-table dinners with celebrated chefs, wellness workshops, community programming, and hands-on animal encounters, we open the door for the community to connect with the land and truly understand why local food systems matter.
This focus on education has helped us build a strong, meaningful relationship with our community. By making sustainability something that people can see, touch, and taste, Fox Point Farms has become a hub for education, collaboration, and community. We’re not just building a farm or business–we’re building a movement that empowers others to get involved and acts as a catalyst for positive change in our region.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale starts with creating a sense of purpose and connection. At Fox Point Farms, our artisans are at the heart and soul of our circular micro-economy, where everyone is empowered in their craft and valued for the unique contributions they make. We all rally behind a shared mission–to honor craftsmanship, sustain the land, and cultivate a thriving community. By fostering a system where every effort plays a part in something bigger, we create a tangible sense of impact that naturally boosts team spirit and keeps everyone engaged and motivated. When people know they’re making a difference, it shows.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://foxpointfarms.com
- Instagram: @foxpointfarms
Image Credits
Included photos courtesy of Maria Russo, Stephen Whalen, and Jordan Allen