Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hernán Colmenero . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Hernán , thanks for joining us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

The Institute for Ecology, Scholarship, and Health was established with the mission of facilitating environmentally conscious decision-making in institutions to promote health among their constituents. Our society grapples with systemic challenges that leave large segments of the population disconnected from essential information, lacking access to health-promoting resources, and devoid of green spaces that nurture our innate affinity for the natural world.

This is a complex predicament that demands careful consideration. Providing these necessities at excessively low costs or through financially unsustainable avenues risks devaluing the goods and services, while jeopardizing the livelihoods of those involved in their creation and provision. Nevertheless, because numerous institutions serve individuals from diverse backgrounds and demographics, our focus lies in aiding schools, universities, and public organizations in delivering high-quality, environmentally conscious services and products, ensuring equitable access for all constituents.

To illustrate the profound impact of systemic changes, consider our recent collaboration with a university’s student dining services department. Through a procurement contract, we mandated the selection of a vendor to supply local, organic, and sustainably grown food items to over 30,000 students hailing from historically underserved backgrounds. This initiative, situated in a predominantly low-income region with high rates of diet-related diseases, has substantially increased access to affordable, nutritious food for underserved populations.

The Institute endeavors to empower community members by leveraging their publicly funded institutions to address their needs and desires effectively. Through our work, we aim to foster a society where health and environmental well-being converge, allowing individuals to flourish by making informed choices. We are on a journey to transform our world for the better.

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.

I personally arrived at the nexus of regenerative agriculture, education, and public health through my personal quest for meaningful work that addresses pressing societal challenges. Transitioning from teaching visual arts, I embraced the power of the free market to drive positive change while uplifting the communities we serve. This philosophy gave birth to the Institute.

The Institute for Ecology, Scholarship, and Health is a consultancy firm that collaborates with institutions, agencies, and landowners to effect transformative change at the systems and policy level. Our approach integrates the entire spectrum of production, processing, logistics, and end-user experiences, ensuring sustainability from environmental, financial, and operational perspectives.

One notable achievement of the Institute is the development of a produce exchange, facilitating the procurement of local farm products by schools and public institutions. This innovative platform navigates the complexities of public financing while enticing both suppliers and buyers, creating a financially viable and regulatory compliant solution. The exchange reduces price volatility for buyers, provides valuable data for researchers and food systems workers, and opens up a lucrative market for small and mid-sized sustainable and regenerative producers. By fostering trust among all stakeholders, our students reap the rewards of increased access to fresh, locally sourced, and organically grown produce.

At the Institute, we are dedicated to building resilient food systems, fostering collaboration, and empowering communities. Together, we create a future where environmental sustainability, economic viability, and improved well-being converge, ensuring a better world for generations to come.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I would be nowhere if my clients didn’t trust in me and refer me to others. In fact, all of my clients have been word of mouth, which has led my company to continue to prosper. This form of growth allows me to be more selective of our projects. Most importantly, it allows me to truly listen to the problems my clients are trying to solve so that the solutions we propose are appropriate and effective. Establishing a good reputation as a team that goes above and beyond what was expected has been key to the success of the company.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

There are several thinkers that have had an indelible mark on my practice. Ancient Greek and Medieval thinkers are crucial for any library, but specifically for running a business, I would say the Art of War and How to Win Friends and Influence People. These two books have laid the foundation for thinking about setting one’s self up for competition and becoming influential to lead, respectively.  

Contact Info:

• Website: ecohealthinstitute.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hernan-colmenero
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@InstituteforEcologyScholarship/featured