Frank Pepper

Chief Executive Officer @Gronorth

CA

As Founder and CEO of GroNorth, I invented and led the development of the VIPER system—an outdoor vertical farming platform designed to maximize yield, reduce input costs, and regenerate the soil biome. I built the company from concept to prototype, leading all product design, R&D, team formation, and strategic execution. Inventor & Product ArchitectI designed the VIPER system from the ground up—an interlocking, sun-powered vertical rack that reduces plant handling by up to 90%, requires no artificial lighting, and integrates directly with regenerative field agriculture. Multi-Disciplinary ResearchTo build GroNorth, I self-educated across dozens of domains—including agronomy, soil biology, fluid dynamics, structural engineering, climate science, business law, controlled environment agriculture, and systems design. Every element of our system was developed through direct study, testing, and iterative engineering.🤝 Team & Network BuilderI recruited and led a multidisciplinary team (engineering, software, legal, marketing), secured early-stage funding, and built a network of growers, chefs, restaurateurs, academics, and policy partners. I negotiated pilot LOIs with commercial buyers and structured the company as a Delaware LLC. Mission-Driven LeadershipGroNorth’s purpose is to empower food production anywhere—on rooftops, in fields, or in communities facing climate and cost pressures—through scalable, resource-efficient design. Strategic ExecutionI authored the business plan, led technical prototyping, managed budgets, and continue to oversee partnerships, pilots, and product refinement.

Vancouver Film School

Sound Design

Independent Research

Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Theoretical Physics

Lakeland College Canada

Welding Technology/Welder

Independent Research

Neuroscience, Endocrinology and IPF