We’re looking forward to introducing you to Christopher Konrad. Check out our conversation below.
Christopher, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. When was the last time you felt true joy?
I felt joy this morning at the landfill, an unusual location. I was so pleased to be able to drive in and load compost into my truck amongst this massive industrial waste disposal and recycling center.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m growing agaves in San Diego County. Agaves, are beautiful ornamental plants in California gardens, and they are used to make distilled beverages, fibers, syrups, condiments and much more. My agaves will be available for purchase starting in 2030.
I will also be improving the farms biodiversity, soil organic matter, and wildlife habitat while I farm. Regenerative cropping practices will be used in open fields and more natural cropping methods in fields with rocky soil and significant chaparral.
Over the next year, I intend to systematically observe crop, intercrop and cover crop survival and growth. I’ll also study management practices related to variety selection, soil, irrigation, and pests. Insights will inform plant selection and management practices in 2026.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Early in my career at Microsoft, Ken Dye taught me the most about how to perform my work. He provided technical knowledge and dropped a little bit of wisdom every day, such as “it takes more than just being right.”
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
This morning my friend Noah truly listened to me. I was seeking his feedback on how to explain my unique skills. He listened carefully to me as I presented a few different versions of my skills. And then he provided the type of feedback that I needed to clearly express those skills.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me doesn’t swear as much as the private version. The public is really missing out.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I might stop doing the things that are good in the long-term, like eating healthy and saving for retirement. My choices might move that deadline from 10 years to 5 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sandiegoagave.com
- Instagram: sandiegoagave
