Discover the Story Behind Innovative Extracts’ Co-Founder, Vince Golden
Vince Golden is a man with many talents and interests. He used his self-taught engineering background to design/redesign equipment to ensure that the highest quality hemp is efficiently grown, harvested, and processed into premium CBD oil.
Background
Vince, the youngest of five children, grew up on a small dairy farm in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Rising early to care for livestock prior to going to school instilled life skills and a work ethic that opened the door to many future opportunities.
After graduating from Forest Hills High School, Vince earned a BS of Industrial Arts Technology degree followed by an MA in Industrial Relations. Having enlisted into the Army, his work and educational experiences enabled him to be chosen and receive an award for successfully commanding (while under supervision and mentorship) a 250-man training company at Fort Dix, NJ. This program was used to evaluate the military transition from a “draftee” Army to an “all voluntary” Army (VOLAR).
Vince finished his military career at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Belgium maintaining and processing personnel records for combat and non-combat veterans being discharged from the Army.
Afterward, Vince found himself back home teaching industrial arts in the Johnstown area school district. It was there that he met his future wife who went on to help him establish and build their own farm called Golden Farms. Together they raised five children, one of whom is now a co-founder of Innovative Extracts.
The cannabis industry
When President Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill legalizing the production and sale of CBD products, Vince and his son Andy saw an opportunity to grow hemp as a cash crop.
At first, Vince was hesitant as he recalled the rise in popularity of recreational drug use during the 1960s. But when he learned of all the potential health benefits associated with using CBD, he changed his view. They planted their first crop in 2019; but before it could even be harvested, Vincent had already seen a drop in market prices for hemp.
Starting a CBD business
Not wanting to let their hard work go to waste, they decided it was time for a new strategy. Instead of selling hemp as a cash crop, they would process it into CBD oil. Golden Farms already had most of the necessary equipment, buildings, and water supplies needed – so all that remained was for Vince to use his engineering knowledge to design and build new pieces of equipment or customize existing machinery.
Applying engineering skills
For example, he designed machinery that could dry hemp without allowing mold to develop in the flowers. He also designed a climate-controlled storage facility where dried hemp can be kept at an optimal humidity to prevent spoilage. And he redesigned parts of the machinery used to separate the oil producing parts from stalks.
But Vince didn’t stop there. After studying how many man-hours went into producing each batch of CBD oil, he decided to build a better, more efficient CBD extraction facility. With the newly redesigned extraction lab, production increased from three batches per day, per technician, to four.
And it’s been taking off since then.
Turning point
Vince says the most critical thing they did was decide to extract the oil themselves. He added, “We’re doing quite well. The pandemic and everything really messed things up. And we still have people coming back and thanking us, and they’re buying more product. So that’s what keeps us going.”
The hemp crop
Vince oversees cultivation of the hemp and bringing the harvest. He takes special pride in harvesting hemp without any possibility of mold, something he ensures himself. According to Vince, “When we harvest, we make sure there isn’t any mold because of the way we harvest and handle it. We’re proud of that.”
Wearing many hats
This Vietnam War era veteran is a businessman, community member, and grandpa all rolled into one. Vince is a dedicated community member who belongs to the local American Legion, the VFW, and church. He supports different functions and different groups that need money, fundraising, and tries to help as much as he can.
When it comes to leisure activities, Vince loves to spend time with his grandchildren. He has developed fishing ponds on the farm for them to enjoy. He likes to cut firewood and believes it’s important to keep active. He also likes to take car and RV trips one or two days a week when the season permits it.
Present and future goals
Vince’s goal is to produce CBD products that are among the best in the market. “We’re making a product that we use ourselves. I use it because of arthritis in my hands. I don’t expect anyone else to use something I wouldn’t use”, says Vince.
“That’s why we’re in the business that we’re in now with the CBD. All the ailments that my age group, the guys from the Vietnam War era have- that’s why I’m proud to do what we’re doing, because people come back and thank you, that it helped. And so we’re all proud of what we’re producing and how it helps people in general.
But Vince doesn’t just strive for success; he also seeks legacy. His biggest goal is that the business will remain family run even through future generations – something that he believes this country has lost over time.
