This blog post is part of our Meet the Team series posted here each Friday
Dan Kuhn | Chief Technology Officer
Current City: Evanston, IL
Hometown: Upstate New York
Next up in our series is our Chief Technology Officer, Dan Kuhn. Dan joined Rise Gardens to blend his engineering and software backgrounds to create a product that is inspiring and socially impactful. As CTO, he is building the brains behind our garden using cloud technologies, machine learning, and the latest innovations in edge computing and sensing. His background as an aerospace engineer and co-founder of Anticipating Minds and Aginity have been the perfect training ground for what we are doing at Rise Gardens.
Why did you choose to work with Rise Gardens?
Great product. Great market opportunity. The chance to mix engineering, software, building something physical and all related to a product focused on health and nature.
How has Rise Gardens changed how you are eating?
I eat more salads and food with fresh herbs.
What’s your favorite dish to cook?
I love to cook lots of things. Lately, Bibimbap, grilled trout, bruschetta, avocado toast, paella and grilled pizza topped the menu.
Tell us about your gardening experience.
When I’ve had the space, I’ve usually had a vegetable garden. Although with a pretty limited range of vegetables. Inside, most of my plants have always died. Hydroponics has opened up things for me a lot. I tried a DIY system which was great - but in my basement and out of the way. I finally setup a Rise Garden and having the garden directly in my living space has been fantastic. It has become an extension of my refrigerator and spice cabinet. It has become a meditative space. It has become a centerpiece in our home. Fresh grown produce and herbs have now become a regular part of my cooking.
Do you have any special secret talents?
Nothing really secret. But I love to build and create. The domain does not really matter. Bikes, furniture, structures, businesses, teams, spreadsheets, software, living spaces, plans, a good meal, a family trip, a deep friendship, whatever.
What are you reading right now?
A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green
What are you watching on TV right now?
Devs
How do you spend your free time?
I cook, bike, build, and spend time with family.
