A database for farmers who need someone to tend their fields when they are away may not have wowed the investors on CBC’sDragon’s Den, but Frank Campbell remains unbowed.
“I want this thing to succeed,” said the president of AgriConnect.
“There’s such a need out there, and it’s such a good solid idea, dragons aside. There’s somebody out there I’m sure who sees the value in this and might want to help partner with us.”
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Campbell and his business partner, Jeff Schneider, both of St. Albert, Alta., appeared on the CBC show Nov. 3.
The show features five wealthy investors who evaluate pitches and decide whether to put up capital.
Campbell was not surprised by the rejection.
“We didn’t really go there expecting that the dragons would jump on board because the dragons are looking for that quick turnaround in money and ours is something that’s going to take a while to grow,” he said.
Rather, Campbell went on the show to gain exposure.
The idea for the website came after Campbell went camping with a friend, who would wake up at 5:30 every morning to return to his farm to do chores. He only had one person he could call on to take care of his place, and he didn’t want to use the favour unless absolutely necessary.
Campbell was a manager for a pipeline companyandseeinghisfriendunableto enjoy histimeoffledhimtoask: “Why isit that I can pick up the phone night or day and get any kind of help I want? Who do farmers or acreage owners phone when they’re in a pinch?”
He spoke with MPs, MLAs and county councillors and consulted friends and relatives who were farmers. All of them liked his idea for a database that linked farmers with people who could take care of things while they were away.
AgriConnect has signed 300 people from across the country.
Farmers who use the site are given a list of contacts for people in their area. It’s up to the individuals to make arrangements regarding payment and what services will be performed.
There is no charge to use the service.
Campbell understands that farmers may be hesitant to have a stranger look after their farm.
“We get them to meet ahead of time if at all possible and they build that relationship so that when they do go away they’re comfortable that their farm is going to be left in good hands,” Campbell said.
Background checks are performed on the people who sign up, and they are required to supply references.
Not having an agriculture background has been a major hurdle for Campbell as he attempts to expand his business.
“Myself being from the oil and gas industry, my biggest problem has been I don’t know who I don’t know,” he said.
Campbell said believes that his idea can help people. If necessary, he is willing to put his company into someone else’s hands to see it grow.
“If I’m not the right person to run with it, then I’ll step aside.”
