Helical Outposts is inspired by a grand vision- saving the world. Learn more about this sustainability-driven, Veteran focused organization and how AmHydro connected with their mission.
Helical Outposts is inspired by a grand mission – saving the world.
Dylan Ratigan, known by many as the former host of MSNBC’s ‘The Dylan Ratigan Show’ and co-founder of Helical Holdings, (Helical Outpost’s parent company) is truly driven to do good and create change, so saving the world isn’t that far off base when it comes to his motivation.
There are plenty of articles (and YouTube clips) of the angry pundit, and the transition to sustainability entrepreneur and hydroponic farmer seemed extreme to many, but the reasons are easy to understand.
Less talk, more action. Taking risks and finding opportunities to create real change – which is something all of us strive to do, in our own ways. For Dylan and his business partner, that risk meant leaving behind their corporate environments – Dylan’s TV persona, and his partners’ legal career, and refocusing their drive and ambitious.
After years of interviewing returning troops from places like Iraq and Afghanistan and hearing the horror stories of lack of basic necessities in these war-torn areas, Ratigan realized he could do more than just report on the problems. He could help provide solutions.
The lack of things like food, water, electricity, education and job security are something many of us take for granted It seems like a far-flung problem, not something that affects us directly. But these are not just problems in other countries – they are right here, at home, in our backyard. The message that inspired Ratigan to take action: ‘Sustainability is Security’, is true.
Using his persuasive abilities and drive behind Helical Holdings’ mission to find funders, talk with innovators, and get input from other passionate problem solvers, Ratigan and Co. found a way to create a collaborative solution that would help to address these systemic problems.
His business partner, Kohlie Frantzen, was a Louisiana attorney who grew up in the oil industry and now is a Managing Partner in Helical Holdings. Frantzen understands the drive behind Ratigan’s mission. Living in Louisiana before and after Hurricane Katrina, he has firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to lose basic securities. Katrina was a wake-up call for Frantzen and recognition of the need for all communities to find ways to remain resilient and self-sustaining in cases of crisis.
Serendipity led Frantzen and Ratigan to connect. With Frantzen’s business background and the mutual desire to support veterans and provide sustainable resources for all, the Helical Outposts was born.
Helical Outposts is best looked as a ‘plug-and-play’ kit. Purposely sourcing high-quality solar energy systems, water filtration systems, communication systems and the best hydroponic growing systems, Helical Outpost in a sustainable, integrated hydroponic greenhouse and more, packaged neatly in a retrofitted shipping container that can go anywhere in the world.
This system fully integrates components that meet a variety of sustainable goals – combining a power station, water filtration, communication system and a sustainable methodology to produce food for local communities. Beyond that, it provides jobs (through working with Patriot Farmers of America and other Veteran organizations), educational opportunities for students at colleges, universities or even elementary schools, and perhaps a methodology to showcase the ability of America to be an innovative, far-reaching force for good in this world.
Lofty goals, to be sure, but valuable ones that are in alignment with the pace and direction of the world today.
AmHydro shares these goals, and we are proud to be a part of the formulation and continued support of Helical Outpost. When researching the best way to employ a hydroponic system that makes the most sense and provides the best outcome, Helical Holdings reached out to AmHydro to connect with our expertise to help develop their model.
Ratigan and Frantzen reached out to AmHydro to incorporate an ultra-productive hydroponic growing system for a standard 30’x48’ greenhouse but also being able to fit it inside a standard shipping container. Our NFT hydroponic system was just what they were looking for, incorporating nicely within the Outpost along with all the additional equipment needed for the community hub the system provides.
If you’re attending Indoor Ag-Con (we hope you will be!) on May 3rd-4th, you can learn a lot more about Helical Outposts and the next steps for their business model. Dylan Ratigan will be the keynote speaker at the event, sharing how controlled environment agriculture (CEAs) can build communities, no matter where you are.
We are so proud to partner with organizations like Helical Holdings. If you are interested in working with us, in any capacity, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re looking forward to talking with you about your hydroponics projects.
