NCC grad wins contest and assistance with small business start-up
Kristopher Gupton
Recent Nash Community College graduate Kristopher Gupton of Littleton has been selected among applicants throughout the United States to receive $4,825 in seed money supporting the establishment of his small business, H&K Farms.
Gupton earned the Entrepreneur Award as a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success at Nash Community College. To be considered for the award, students were required to be a member of the national organization and seeking to start a mission-based business that will positively impact society or will have a portion of the proceeds going to charity. Applicants submitted a business plan, letters of recommendation, budget and information about the potential for future growth.
Gupton grew up in a community of farmers, and worked in farming as a youth before joining the United States Army. Upon returning from service, he became a full-time farm employee. He enrolled in Nash Community College’s Associate in Science College Transfer program working toward a degree in Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology with a focus in Botany. Gupton graduated from NCC in May 2017 and will continue his undergraduate studies at Appalachian State University.
Soon-to-be wed Kristopher Gupton and Heather Bryant, H&K Farms owners, recently purchased their first home and the farm in Collettsville, NC which will be a veteran-owned and family operated business specializing in herbs, berries, and other crops used in mixology. “Our sweet basil will be raised naturally, and our main seed supplier will be Johnny’s Selected Seeds,” Gupton said. “Due to the fact that our herbs are raised naturally, we will provide a service to our community, state, and nation by enabling a better, healthier way of life.”
“H&K Farms will provide local breweries, restaurants and community members an alternate source of basil as America continues to move away from genetically modified organisms, or GMOs,” Gupton said. “The location of our operation allows us to effectively distribute the produce to several locally-owned microbreweries and restaurants with close proximity to many farmer’s markets. Being close to a major university has its benefits given the demand of the produce used in distillation and neighborhood dishes.” H&K Farms is pursuing organic certification avoiding the use of most synthetic pesticides found in conventional agriculture and ensuring the quality and health of the basil grown.
Gupton will use the awarded funds to purchase necessary equipment and hardware including a high tunnel greenhouse, lumber for raised garden beds, and hardware for an irrigation system. He was selected in a national Facebook social media poll. As part of the application process, Gupton submitted a video produced by Nash Community College’s Studio 67 which is available at https://youtu.be/RjCgDjsYRZQ.
The National Society of Leadership and Success is the nation’s largest leadership honor society. Students are selected by Nash Community College for membership based on either academic standing or leadership potential. Candidacy is a nationally recognized achievement of honorable distinction.
