Brenda Smola-Foti and Frank Foti are co-founders of The Ground in Willamette Valley, Oregon.

The Ground is a place that almost defies definition – it is a regenerative agriculture farm, but also includes an Inn and Farmhouse where guests can stay, a restaurant, and a farm store.  Frank and Brenda host workshops, nature tours, group retreats, guided meditations and a lot more.

The Ground may be different things for different people, but it is tied together by a cohesive set of values that are important to Brenda and Frank, including connection, humility and caring for our planet.

(1:06) – What was Brenda’s upbringing like?

(3:43) – What drove Brenda to go from fashion to farming?

(5:03) – How did Frank find his way into the family business?

(9:34) – What experiences led to Frank joining The Ground?

(11:46) – Why is the theme of connection important to Frank?

(12:30) – What were some of the early issues Brenda and Frank faced while establishing The Ground?

(15:50) – What exactly is The Ground?

(16:45) – How do all the facets of The Ground work together?

(19:26) – How do Brenda and Frank divide and tackle their tasks?

(21:54) – What is Brenda’s “why”?

(22:48) – What is Frank’s “why”?

(24:47) – How are Brenda and Frank thinking about succession?

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