Little Bitty Greens in Clinton, operating under the name Driftwood Farms, has become a staple in the local microgreens and mushroom industry. Owners Kristen and Brian Gardner's journey to becoming farmers has been one of resilience and is anything but conventional.
Kristen, a Kansas native and former staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, joined the service at age 18 and spent part of her military career working Air Force One. Brian built his career as a firefighter in Alabama. Their paths eventually crossed in Afghanistan, where they were working as civilian contractors. When COVID-19 hit, the two found themselves stuck overseas, working 12-hour days, seven days a week, and falling in love.
While making plans for life after they left Afghanistan, Brian and Kristen decided to take a leap of faith and purchase a property in Clinton, site unseen. All appeared set for the couple's return when an attack on their location caused both to be med-flighted back to the United States. Then, while beginning their recovery at home, Kristen's father and Brian's mother both passed away within the first year of their return.
"We're people of faith, and there are definitely multiple parts of our story that have no other explanation," Brian said.
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