We recently connected with Rick Harrison and have shared our conversation below.
Rick, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I would say my work ethic is something that was instilled in me from a very young age. Growing up, I had the privilege of observing my father, who exemplified what it means to work hard while also maintaining a presence in our lives. He was always incredibly driven and dedicated to his work, but he also managed to strike a balance—he was there when it mattered most. Watching him taught me that being successful isn’t just about the hours you put in, but also about the intentionality and focus you bring to everything you do, whether it’s work, family, or personal growth.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been driven to achieve at the highest level in whatever I set my mind to—sometimes to a fault. I thrive in environments that demand hard work and perseverance. That drive has followed me throughout my life, from school and sports to building my career. It’s a mindset I owe to my upbringing and to my father’s example.
Today, my greatest motivation comes from my family. My wife and two sons are the reason I strive to be the best I can be in every aspect of my life. I want to be the same kind of role model for my boys that my father was for me—showing them that hard work, resilience, and balance are the keys to living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Starting Farm Trader was no different. It’s been an incredible challenge, but I believe that the work ethic I developed early on, combined with the inspiration I draw from my family, has been critical in helping me push through the challenges of entrepreneurship. I’ve always felt that if you’re going to do something, you should do it with everything you’ve got, and that’s a philosophy I live by every day
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Professionally, I’m focused on Farm Trader, an online marketplace that connects farmers directly with consumers. At its core, Farm Trader is about revolutionizing the way we think about buying local and empowering small farms to become meaningful contributors to their communities.
Farm Trader was born out of a desire to bridge the gap between farmers and the people who want to support them. For too long, small farms have faced challenges in competing with larger agricultural businesses, from distribution hurdles to pricing pressures. We aim to change that by giving farmers a platform where they can sell their goods directly to consumers, building personal connections and fostering a deeper appreciation for where our food comes from.
What excites me most about Farm Trader is its potential to reimagine the agricultural economy. When consumers have easy access to fresh, local produce and other farm products, it not only supports small farms but also strengthens communities. Buying local isn’t just about better-tasting food; it’s about investing in the people and places that make our neighborhoods unique.
We’re also excited about the future of Farm Trader. We’re continually expanding our network, introducing new tools and resources to help farmers succeed, and exploring ways to make the platform even more user-friendly for consumers. We believe we’re on the cusp of a movement that could reshape how people think about food, farming, and community.
Ultimately, Farm Trader is more than just a marketplace—it’s a way to empower farmers, connect consumers to their food sources, and make a meaningful impact on the local economy. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey and can’t wait to see how it continues to grow.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I’d say the three most impactful qualities or skills that shaped my path boil down to one overarching theme: work ethic. No matter the environment or challenge, that drive to give my all has been the constant thread that’s carried me forward.
My background is quite varied—I started in biotech, then served in the Army, later ran a small farm with my wife while attending business school, all while working remotely for a Silicon Valley-based company. Each of these experiences was vastly different, yet they all reinforced the same lesson: hard work and adaptability can get you through just about anything.
The advice I’d give to anyone early in their journey is simple: things will not go as planned. You might not end up doing exactly what you imagined or following a straight path, and that’s okay. What matters is your ability to work hard, believe in your capabilities, and embrace the unexpected. Life throws curveballs, but with a strong work ethic and confidence in yourself, you can thrive in any environment.
Also, don’t be afraid to lean into the discomfort of new challenges. Whether you’re learning a new industry, stepping into a leadership role, or navigating unforeseen obstacles, growth often comes from the moments when you feel most out of your depth. Those experiences build resilience, and resilience, coupled with hard work, is a powerful combination for success.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge we’re currently facing is the classic chicken-and-egg dilemma that comes with starting a marketplace. For a marketplace like Farm Trader to thrive, you need both vendors and customers—but the catch is that each group relies on the other to make the platform valuable. Vendors want a large customer base to sell to, and customers want a wide variety of products to choose from. Striking that balance is one of the biggest hurdles in launching this kind of business.
We’re making progress on this front by focusing on building trust and demonstrating value to both sides of our marketplace. For vendors, we’re emphasizing how Farm Trader can empower them to expand their reach, connect with local consumers, and grow their businesses. For customers, we’re showcasing the benefits of fresh, locally sourced products and the opportunity to support small, community-based farms.
It’s a big challenge, no doubt, but we believe deeply in the business and the positive impact it can have on communities. By staying focused on our mission, being persistent in our outreach, and continuously improving the platform to meet the needs of both vendors and customers, we’re confident we’ll overcome this hurdle. Building a marketplace is never easy, but the potential to create a meaningful connection between farmers and consumers keeps us motivated every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thefarmtrader.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmtraderco/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-harrison-iii-039a9412b/
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