With a background in mechanical and aerospace engineering, I’ve always enjoyed understanding complex systems and the science of design. Now, I look at our landscapes with a similar eye, with an overwhelming respect and admiration for the beautiful and incomprehensible complexity of the natural systems that create and support life on this planet. I’ve learned to step back and observe, rather than force my own beliefs onto the landscape, in recognition of Mother Nature as the ultimate engineer.
When I’m not covered in sweat and soil in the garden, I’m covered in sweat and soil on the rugby field playing for the Worcester Men’s rugby team, and helping grow the sport through the Worcester Rugby Community nonprofit. I’m also on the Green Worcester Advisory Committee, helping guide the city on the best ways to achieve their lofty goal of becoming the greenest mid-sized city in the country by 2050.
Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
Home Harvest Central MA is an ecological and edible landscaping company. We specialize in native flower gardens, raised vegetable beds, backyard fruit trees, and landscape construction. We create holistic landscape designs, thoughtfully developing whole human habitats that provide our basic needs while building healthy soil, sequestering carbon, and adding massive ecological value.
What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
I LOVE Mare E Monti, and while it’s hard to choose I’d have to say the Pollo Giuseppe 🤌
Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
His name is Vitor Crispin. I met him while living and working as an apprentice at a regenerative agriculture farm in New Zealand. He was only 19 years old at the time, but he was the wisest and most charismatic person I’ve ever met.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
New Zealand has a special place in my heart. Not only because I’m an avid rugby player and they have some of the best talent in the world… but I would love to revisit the farm I worked on and catch up with all of the beautiful souls I met there.
What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Probably Red Hot Chili Peppers, although my taste is diverse and depending on the mood it could also be All That Remains or Eminem.
What is your best advice?
When you’re ready to buy a house, don’t buy a single family. At least get a duplex, so you can rent out the other side and cover the majority of your mortgage. It’ll be the best financial decision you’ll ever make.
What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
I’d love to Paraski (ski down a mountain with a parachute on)!!
What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
Boomers Subs… the iconic enormous subs that fed me through college at WPI.
Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
Tony Robbins… I attribute a massive amount of my success to his teachings on personal development and how to unleash our full potential.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
My business is thriving without me, and I’m able to travel the world speaking and teaching people how to develop resilient, robust, and connected communities based on permaculture principles.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I live a pretty transparent life… but I was once a big parkour guy and can do some cool flips!
What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Legacy, Community, Sustenance
If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
Ethan Hawke is my guy.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
That it’s well geographically centered to so many other cities in New England, and that I can proudly proclaim it’s “The heart of the commonwealth!”
What is your favorite smell?
Laundry vent…
Who inspires you to be better?
My partner Tess is a very empathetic person that has a gift for deeply connecting with everyone she meets, and she inspires me to be better at that.
