Karen joined the U.S. Navy in May 1986. She was a Cryptologic Technician, Technical branch reaching the rank of CTT2, Petty Officer 2nd Class. After bootcamp in Orlando, FL, she attended a school at NTTC Cory Station, Pensacola, FL, learning morse code and communications systems operations. Upon graduation, she attended C School, I at Ft. Meade, MD, learning advanced communications systems and the Russian language.
She was stationed in Edzell, Scotland. Karen thoroughly enjoyed serving her country in the crypto field and providing support to missions undertaken by the United States during that time. She advanced through the ranks and was selected for the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) program in San Diego, California. After completing the program, she went to Norwich University seeking her commission in the U.S. Navy upon graduation. At the end of her Junior year, after being selected as the USNROTC Commanding Officer, Karen was a sleeping passenger returning from her aviation pre-commissioning physical in Brunswick, ME. She suffered a broken back and never received her commission and was medically retired.
"Farmer Veteran Coalition has provided training opportunities that have been on point with helping new business owners understand the importance of know their numbers. They have been helpful in connecting us with representatives who have been helpful and directing us to programs or organizations that may be helpful. They also have other veterans who reach out in the community to make new members aware of FVC programs and local farmers who's experience can be helpful. FVC was instrumental in jumping in with a grant award that significantly impacted BPM Farms' ability to stay in business. Being able to purchase a full year supply of grow plugs allowed us to reduce the cost of grow plugs by 50% while at the same time significantly reduced our current shipping costs. This grant literally saved our business at a time when we were trying to get a handle on our input costs. Our sincerest thanks to FVC."
BPM Farms LLC is a small hydroponic farm that grows and sells specialty heart-healthy herbs to local markets. They grow using Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) practices inside shipping containers, reducing risks while resulting in high-quality food year-round. Their primary products are Large Leaf Italian and Sweet Genovese Living Basil sold in a bag similar to what folks purchase flowers in, with the root ball attached and in water. It will continue to grow in customer homes until fully consumed. They also sell a 1 oz, and 2 oz cut basil clamshell. When space and seasonality allow, they utilize the grow space to grow and sell mint, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon and Sweet Thai Basil.
BPM Farms, in an effort to reduce waste, has recently began freeze drying any suitable unsold herbs to make them shelf stable, reduce waste and improve their bottom line.
"I really just returned to my roots. I was born and raised on the same farm. When I was a kid, we were working a family-owned dairy farm. I'm in my happy place when I am giving back to the community by growing something they can appreciate and use day in and day out as they nourish their families. There's something incredibly rewarding to create something with your time, talent, and treasure that others want and appreciate. We grow every plant with diligence and love."
"As indicated above, I and the team of people who run the farm, most of which are also veterans, love creating something with our hands that others appreciate, love, and consume. We would like to think we do our part to feed the world."
