Nick Robinson was featured in a VoyageMinnesota Magazine article - read it below:
Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Robinson. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Owner Nick Robinson is a Twin Cities native with a passion for growing fresh, gourmet mushrooms. After getting married in 2012 Nick lived in Shanghai, China for 3 years and visited 12 different countries to explore more of what the world had to offer. After returning home, he started finding ways to give back to his community in a local and meaningful way. After working in education for 3 years and serving on a school board, he was drawn into the world of sustainable living and urban farming through his friend, Lance Ramm. This was where the idea for R&R Cultivation began.
In 2018, Nick and Lance started their first grow in Nick’s basement. They relied on their 4×4′ grow tent to get them started at local Farmers Markets. From the very beginning, they experienced tremendous success. By 2019, they were ready to expand into a warehouse and increase their mushroom production x8.
In two short years, Nick and Lance took R&R Cultivation from a small, basement operation to a fully-scaled urban farm. Today, they supply their fresh, gourmet mushrooms to most co-ops and farmers markets and all Lunds & Byerlys locations in the Twin Cities. They are eternally grateful for the support of their customers, friends, and family.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has NOT been smooth. We’re dealing with a product that needs to move within a week and it’s a living and growing product that needs pristine conditions. We made a lot of expensive missteps along the way by not investing in systems that we needed from the beginning.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At R&R Cultivation, we believe that wholesome, fresh, nutritious mushrooms should be accessible to everyone. We know that local growers, especially in urban areas, must lead the charge. When you buy our mushrooms, you can be confident they are 100% USDA-Certified Organic, sustainably produced, fresh, and cultivated with love. Now more than ever, shopping locally is a critical way to support your community and bolster your local economy. Based in New Hope, Minnesota, R&R Cultivation is proud to sell our gourmet mushrooms at most local co-ops, farmers markets, and all Lunds & Byerlys stores in the Twin Cities.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I really love Roseville. I grew up in New Brighton so I know the area well. I think it’s a perfect mix of suburb space while still being 10-15 min away from Minneapolis or St. Paul. I love the culture and the people. They genuinely care about local companies and organic products.
What I don’t like…well…the snow can be a little overwhelming and challenging at times!