Hemp Voices: Derek Wolf, Hemp and Block, LLC
Derek Wolf: CEO Co-founder Hemp and Block, LLC
My job is to develop a successful vision for our company and then build it into reality. I’m involved with developing our hemp-lime products and manufacturing process, working with customers and suppliers and engaging with potential investors to grow the business.
As a natural building material, hemp can benefit you in the form of a healthy, breathable home, benefit your local supply chain, farmers and processors, and benefit the Earth as a fast-growing, regenerative, carbon-sequestering, high-performance building material. I believe with hemp-lime construction, we can build for legacy; multi-generational homes and buildings that last for centuries.
What was a win for your company in the past year?
The biggest victory by far was to move our business into a huge manufacturing facility. Over 10,000 square feet! The new factory offers a huge floorspace for indoor block curing racks, fabrication, massive amount of exterior space for material storage and mixing operations, and plenty of infrastructure and power to run block machines and more.
What is something about hemp building/construction/processing you didn’t know a year ago?
The hemp building industry is in a great position to leverage grant programs and funding opportunities offered nationally and within individual states. The EPA for example wants to fund projects for sustainable, resilient, climate-friendly building materials and homes. Basically, everything that hemp-lime does so well!
I saw this first hand when I was invited onto an expert panel to speak to the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Governor’s team on matters related to the hemp building industry in CO. We have a ton of support behind us. More than I ever knew! They want to see us succeed and make the great changes we all know to be possible. They’re even working on our behalf at the legislative level. Leveraging these opportunities and support can help send the US hemp building industry on a trajectory straight to the moon.
What challenges does the hemp building industry face that it must overcome in the next five years?
In my opinion, the greatest challenges involve continuing to build out the supply chain and demonstrating consistency, quality, and safety for hemp building materials. The supply chain, from farming through processing, manufacturing and distribution must be built out more and become large enough to be more competitive against conventional building materials. Secondly, as consistency, quality and safety for hemp building materials continue to be demonstrated through projects, that will raise awareness and increase their use, including future use in massive commercial building projects in addition to residential developments.
Contact: Derek Wolf
Derek@hempbandblock.com
Phone: 970-318-0479
