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Carl Skalac Jr.
Blue Pike Farm

The Nominator: Jim O`Hare, BioMedia, LLC

How has the nominee implemented sustainable business practices in his or her business or organization and what are the triple bottom line benefits (people, planet, prosperity) of the nominee`s work?
Carl`s one acre Blue Pike Farm on East 72nd Street in Cleveland is engaged in all forms of sustainable practices. From his work with the Water Department on storm water reclamation to his work with Bratenahl as well as local food processors in securing leaves and food waste for composting, to his work with other growers and local food processors to sell food products (including honey and finished baked goods), everything Carl does revolves around the three P`s. If it doesn`t involve doing more (naturally) with less, if it doesn`t involve interacting with people, and if it doesn`t involve being profitable, Carl won`t pursue it.

How has the nominee inspired you to implement sustainable business practices?
Having a meeting about food, new local farming techniques? Carl is there. Is there a public policy event at which important decisions are being made or input is being sought from urban farmers? Carl is there. Never bashful, usually not brief, Carl will always tell you what`s on his mind, learned from his own experiences.

How can someone else translate the success of the nominee? Is the work of the nominee an example or model that others can follow?
Carl calls his endeavor a "grand experiment." That`s because he`s honest enough to admit that he doesn`t have all the answers, but he`s determined enough to try. I haven`t been able to jump in as Carl has, but his manner and his tenacity have inspired me to keep on working around the fringes of local food, even if it means that at this point I`m more consumer than producer.

How does the nominee actively participate in the sustainability community? How do they collaborate and share their knowledge with others?
One acre of urban land + lots of hard work = enough sustainable income for one person, at least to start out. That equation is enough of a proof for me, and also for the many people that Carl has mentored.