William Crenshaw grew up surrounded by Amish farms, where he enjoyed easy access to fresh produce. Sweet corn was, and remains, his favorite fresh food, with strawberries coming in at a close second.

For 15 years, Crenshaw had been working in the finance world and dreaming about a profitable agricultural business. He knows that not everyone grows up surrounded by fresh fruits and vegetables.

Greener Roots started in 2014 in the closet of a rooftop apartment complex in Nashville by Jeffery Orkin. In 2023, the stars aligned for Greener Roots to be handed off to William Crenshaw from Jeffrey Orkin where he combines his business skills with his agricultural aspirations. As an indoor farm, they provide fresh food to urban communities.

Crenshaw says the important thing about their farming practices is how little resources they use to produce so much. Growing in a controlled environment means they use 90% less water, no synthetic chemicals, and can grow crops faster than conventional agriculture. They’re passionate about agricultural practices that are efficient with resources and less destructive for the Earth.

Greener Roots now farms 10,000 sq/ft of indoor growing space. They grow lettuce such as spring mix, green leaf, and romaine, microgreens, edible flowers, and herbs. They produce specialty items, like nasturtium leaves, marigolds, borage, and their best-selling lettuce blend, the Nashville Blend.

Romaine lettuce and micro cilantro are Crenshaw’s favorite products, despite their finicky growing habits. He says there’s something sweet, crisp, and buttery about the freshly harvested leaves. We wholeheartedly agree!