Barrett Ersek

Over my career, I’ve built and sold two start-ups and today lead my third company—Holganix. My journey as an entrepreneur has taken me across five continents, speaking on innovation, entrepreneurship, and gratitude. Holganix was born from a moment of gratitude. In 2008, my turf care company, HappyLawn, caught fire. Instead of choosing to be a victim, I leaned into gratitude—trusting there was a reason and opening myself to new possibilities. That mindset sparked the vision for something Chessapeake Bay-safe: good for both water and turf. In 2010, we launched Holganix with a mission to restore life to the soil and champion thrivability—helping farmers and communities grow what’s possible. It’s not just about greener turf or healthier crops, but about building soil health so the land we pass on is richer than what we inherited. I love working alongside farmers—true entrepreneurs at heart—helping them grow their businesses while pursuing my own entrepreneurial journey. I also love meeting new people and discovering that instant connection, the common ground that brings us together. Outside of business, you’ll find me with my family on the water—fishing, boating, and living in the flow of life.