Shannon O'Malley discovered hydroponics when she relocated from Pennsylvania to Florida, where traditional gardening methods failed her. Frustrated by the harsh climate, she transformed her garage into a hydroponic garden that yielded an abundance of produce, so much that she began sharing with her community. This simple start would grow into Brick Street Farms, a hydroponic farm that generated $2.5 million in revenue in 2024.

What began with 3 shipping containers has evolved into a 20-container operation, equivalent to a 70-acre traditional farm. Brick Street Farms specializes in general hydroponics, growing leafy greens and microgreens, supplying both local consumers and restaurants while maintaining wholesale partnerships with stores. Their controlled environment ensures chemical-free, pest-free produce that meets the highest quality standards.

Shannon's journey from garage gardener to successful entrepreneur started with a modest investment of just a few thousand dollars in her garage setup. She and her husband then scaled to their first shipping container farm, where each container equals 3 acres of traditional farmland through vertical growing. When COVID-19 hit, Shannon pivoted from restaurants to department stores and online delivery, saving Brick Street Farms from going under.

In this episode, Shannon reveals how you can start your own hydroponic farm and master the art of sustainable growing. She shares hard-earned wisdom from her container farming journey, showing how growing your own food can transform both your livelihood and your community.