We recently connected with Amanda Crew and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

My very first boss in the army was actually the very best boss I had. She forced me way outside my comfort zone and had a profound impact on me, my way of thinking and the leader I became. She wasn’t molding me into simply a “boss” mentality, or a practicing pharmacist; instead her lessons were far reaching, and years later, I still smile when I think of the growing pains of learning to be excellent. She taught me to think much deeper, the ripple effects of decisions, and the importance of always thoroughly preparing for anything. I thought graduating pharmacy school I needed to hone my skill set and get right into clinical practice. She saw more in me and invested in me the belief in myself. She was building me into a leader that could think critically and analytically, and interact on a completely different level than my peers. My confidence was built on her lessons, and I’m forever grateful.

Amanda, 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 am co-owner of Crew Family Orchards and the DeepRichDirt brand of high quality food products, a business I own and operate with my husband Nate. I’m the proud mama of two little boys, Jackson and Willy. We are family based and locally focused with the mission of healing the soil and establishing a legacy to leave to future generations.

I obtained my PharmD from Samford University in Birmingham, AL, and shortly after graduation I started my career as an army officer at Fort Hood, TX. After serving six years on active duty, I transitioned into civilian practice and then civil service, where patient care and customer service were always my priorities alongside teaching. I left full-time pharmacy practice in late 2021 to join Nate in the enhancement of our family business and assumed the leadership role of Crew Family Orchards, spearheading the advancement of the food products side of the business.

Holistic health and wellness coupled with my love of food, I’ve set out on a mission of building a healthy community from the inside out and from the ground up; touching one life at a time. Unwavering in quality, introducing unique products to the market that are unparalleled in flavor is just the beginning for Crew Family Orchards. Passionate about biodiversity and sustainability, Crew Family Orchards is lighting the way in the mission to heal the soil naturally and restore the original forest-based ecosystem of the land for generations to come. It is our vision to encompass holistic agriculture and holistic wellness by providing nutrient rich foods for the community, while building a place of healing and community intertwined with nature.

Combining our two slogans, “Plant trees like there’s a tomorrow so we can enjoy a delicious future,” let’s join hands and do this together. Always dreaming and working towards a better tomorrow.

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

I’ve had to pivot a couple times in my professional career. Never taking any decision lightly, after much thought and prayer, after I had my first son, Jackson, I was at a turning point in my professional army officer career. Remaining on active duty would result in additional schools to advance my career, but at the expense of being stationed with my husband. My husband, also on active duty at the time, spent a lot of time training and deploying, and we needed to provide stability for our son. So I traded in my combat boots for a pair of clogs and entered the civilian world of pharmacy the summer of 2015. I got a position at Kmart Pharmacy, one which I adored, but when the store closed in early 2017, I made the decision to leave retail pharmacy and return to the hospital. The very same pharmacy I left, Inpatient Pharmacy, as I was at while on active duty. Obtaining certifications and opportunities to reach beyond the pharmacy, I enjoyed teaching and mentoring the next generation of pharmacists. I thoroughly loved the complexity and dynamics of the inpatient setting. However, once again, family was calling and I left full-time practice the end of 2021. I traded in my crocks for garden boots. Taking the leap, I joined Nate full-time in our family business to further build on our vision. I still get to teach, but I also get to create connections and build community while inspiring others to do the same! I get the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, and connect on an entirely different level while now providing them with wholesome nutritious food products and fresh produce.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

We pride ourselves on our high-quality products, that are flavorful and unique. In the retail food business, your products must speak for themselves. We believe that “proof is in the flavor.” We will never compromise quality. Constantly striving to be subject matter experts in sustainable holistic farming and holisitic health, we provide a unique knowledge base that goes far beyond just a product. We hope our actions always show our genuineness and authenticity. We truly care about our community and the legacy we are leaving our children. We are on a mission of healing the soil for future generations, but don’t just take my word for it, come out and see what we are doing both at our own orchards and our community orchard we are building. More now than ever, we need community and healing, and we hope that we inspire others to strive for the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.creworchards.com
• Instagram: @CrewFamOrchards
• Facebook: Crew Family Orchards
• Youtube: Deep Rich Dirt Publishing