Paul Lightfoot
Chief Executive Officer
What inspired you to work at BrightFarms?
Although for many years I led a business with the singular focus of improving retail supply chain efficiencies, on a personal basis I have been focused on feeding my family with local, whole and non-processed foods. The opportunity to lead BrightFarms is an opportunity to combine my career with the things that I care about most on a personal basis, which is truly lucky and feels great.
What do you do at BrightFarms?
I bring people into the BrightFarms family – supermarket clients, investors, employees, vendors, etc. – and lead them to revolutionize the produce supply chain; to replace a broken system with an alternative that produces lettuces, tomatoes and herbs that are safer, tastier, more nutritious, longer-lasting, better for the environment and bursting with the love that can only be found in food prepared for someone with whom the grower can have a personal connection.
What experiences prepared you for your job?
I’ve been a passionate food zealot for many years. I have a deep background in retail supply chain leadership. I’ve been leading businesses for more than 12 years. I really really care.
What do you like best about working here?
I love working in a business that has such a strong purpose; that’s bigger than any of us individually. I get to bring food to people that tastes better, is healthier and is better for the environment! I also love working with a bunch of energetic people, particularly energetic people that commute by bike. This is my mid-life crisis, and it is a wholesome mid-life crisis that helps me feel energized and healthy.
If you were a type of lettuce in our spring mix, which would you be?
Baby spinach, because my wife loves it so much (and I love her).
Anything else you would like to add?
I’m an active member of the Young President’s Organization, and serve on the Executive Committees of YPO’s IT Network and Social Enterprise Network. I am the proud to be the 2011 winner of YPO’s CSR Award for Environmental Sustainable Business Practices.
I received a B.A. from Lehigh University and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law. I am the Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Brennan Center for Justice.
