Meet George
He/Him
George is a connector. He is a systems thinker who sees projects holistically, bringing together all of the components and people needed to execute. Prior to forming Skout Strategy, George spent 3 years building Sananbio US's global sales and marketing capacity in the categories of indoor vertical farming and horticultural lighting. George's time at Sananbio was preceded by 4 years of leading a multi-licensed medicinal cannabis company in California, where he discovered his deep passion and respect for agriculture. Driven by building a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable food system, George leverages his business acumen, technological expertise, and team building to bring projects to life.
MBA in Organizational Development + Leadership, University of New Mexico
BBA in Marketing, University of New Mexico
“They’re judging because you kept starting over. I’m clapping because you never gave up.”
— Biggs Burke, Roc-A-Fella Records Co-Founder
In Conversation with George.
Previous experience prior to founding Skout Strategy?
Prior to forming Skout Strategy, George spent 3 years building and leading the Sananbio US global sales efforts. George assisted in developing a global footprint for Sananbio’s industry leading vertical farming system and horticultural lighting offering. Prior to George’s time at Sananbio, he spent 4 years building companies in the emerging medical and recreational cannabis industry. He spent 4 years designing, building, and operating commercial cannabis facilities across northern California, gaining invaluable knowledge around the entire cultivation process.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given?
My grandfather once gave me a scenario. The scenario was, I was taking a trip /going on a journey and on that trip/journey, there were going to be certain things I needed and I needed to make a list. As I finished up my list and read it aloud to my grandfather, he reminded me that I was still missing something. As I racked my brain, my grandfather put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Why are you going?” I looked at him puzzled, not really sure how to respond.
He followed up with, “ Why are you taking the trip or this journey? If you ever find yourself doing something and you have to ask why you are doing it, you better have good answer. If you do, then you keep doing it, but if you don’t have a good answer, stop and re-think the situation. Always ask yourself why?”
What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join Skout?
Be yourself, that is why you are here. We pride ourselves on hiring the best people and allowing those people to be who they are within the walls of our organization and beyond. Being your true and authentic self comes with an unmatched freedom, but also an unrelenting need for honesty. Be prepared to work hard, have fun, and do big things.
Favorite quote?
“They’re judging because you kept starting over. I’m clapping because you never gave up.” Biggs Burke, Roc-A-Fella Records Co-Founder.
What are your three favorite bands or songs?
Choosing three songs is too hard… three favorite bands in no particular order: Outkast, The Black Keys, and Oddisee.
Top 3 favorite podcasts or books:
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins, “Goliath: The 100 Year War Between Monopoly Power and Democracy” by Matt Stoler, and “Oil, Power, and War: A Dark History” by Matthew Auzanneau.
The future of CEA looks like…
Much more impactful. CEA will become a larger and larger part of food production across the globe, so we must continue to develop the infrastructure to support that growth. It will be an industry built by men and women alike, from various backgrounds across the world. It is not the solution to all the problems bearing down on our food system, but it is a part of the solution.
If I weren’t at Skout I’d be?
Selling BBQ on the side of the road and making craft cocktails at your favorite watering hole.
On the weekend you can find me…
In the garden with my girls and grilling something.
Favorite thing to cook/bake?
Anything that can be cooked over or with fire.