gunni gal is a shared vision of alex and jeff van zandt.

Its reality was birthed from tenacity in the pursuit of dreams as well as intense motivation manifested from immense tragedy.

Jeff, known professionally as JVZ, was a pioneer in the music industry for 30 years. Alex, having earned a B.A. in psychology and a M.Ed. in special education, worked as a K-12 educator. While they both felt passionately about specific aspects of their careers, they thirsted for a shift. Their lives in Austin, Texas, had become more existence and less living, and the questions of legacy and dreams were a constant.

Many moons ago, they were introduced to aquaponic farming by a close friend and were quickly hooked on the concept, spending countless hours of research on the practice. Its regenerative nature and conservative use of water were very intriguing, not to mention the seriously gorgeous produce that can thrive in a controlled environment. They completed a course in commercial aquaponic farming and began laying the groundwork for a farm concept.

Jeff’s Gunnison roots took hold as a child as he spent numerous summers in the Valley. Later, it quickly became a special place for Alex as well. Local relationships were made during many visits over the years and they were determined to make a move to the Valley to realize their vision.

After 4 years of searching for a property that met the requirements needed for the farm concept, the perfect place appeared. Alex was winding down her last academic year working with adult transition students with special needs and as an adjunct lecturer in the Education Department at Western Colorado University. Jeff was knee deep in his plans for helping to cultivate and infuse the live music scene in the Valley. On the horizon was the farm concept and massive plans for shaping the property and business in a way that incorporated both of their backgrounds. Standing on the precipice of change; they were extraordinarily excited.

July 1st, 2020, marked the day Jeff and a dear friend (the same friend that introduced them to aquaponics) began the first leg of the move bound for Gunnison. Not a short drive from Austin, they arrived the following day on July 2nd. On July 3rd, Jeff lost his life while traveling home on Ohio Pass from Crested Butte. Alex was still in Austin.

There are crossroad moments in our lives where we are forced to make critical and life-changing decisions. At 3:30 am on the morning of July 4th, Alex made the decision to continue with the move to Gunnison. Her memory of that moment is recounted as a visceral response…eyes on the horizon, stay the course and move forward.

Less than a year after Jeff’s passing, with unwavering support from family and friends, construction began on the Gunni Gal greenhouse. The process has been bittersweet, cathartic and unquestionably, the right decision. The vision never changed, only the circumstances of its creators.

Alex is looking forward to being an active community member and business owner in the Gunnison Valley, and plans to continue her work with the university as well as grow the Gunni Gal business. She envisions herself as an influencer of local commerce, always with eyes on the horizon, open to all possibilities.

gratitude.

Thank you to the following individuals and teams for your part on this journey, which often included colorful language and raucous laughter:

• Steve Solem, plumbing and commentary

• Mallory Logan from RoShamBo Marketing + Creative for listening and then making magic

• Randy Graupner for rehabbing the entire production world, unexpectedly

• JD & Tawnya Sawyer and Rob Tolette from The Aquaponic Source, informed and thoughtful system design

• Jesse Ebner of Signature Properties Ebner & Associates, realtor extraordinaire and believer

• Justin Hicks and his team from Concrete Customs, concrete work

• Chris Kruthaupt and his team from Creekside Angling and Environmental, extensive excavation and dirt work with finesse

• Jacob With, Law of the Rockies for crossing of t's and dotting of i's

• Steve Messina, Crestview Electric for electrical prowess

• Tyler Cappellucci and his team from Spring Creek Landscape for Jeff’s trees and everything else

• Phil, the guy who brings the fill…and a lot of fill there was

• Michael Simpson, refrigeration

• Marc Plinke and team from Ceres Greenhouse Solutions

• Nakia Kazmer for shade cloth install and all things greenhouse

• Fellow Producers in the Gunnison Valley Producers’ Guild: Calder Farm, Gunnison Gardens, Iola Valley Farms, Mountain Roots Food Project, and Parker Pastures for enthusiastic support, super smarts, and sharing of ideas and resources

• Western Colorado University Education Department

• Karen and Mark Higgins and their crew at Dog Cabin Resort for providing trusted sanctuary to the very unique Frances Jean

• Everyone in the neighborhood who has supportively watched while the transformation occurred, always full of inquisitive encouragement

• Frances Jean Van Zandt for putting up with the daily infiltration on her property
  

  And…to Freddie for the introduction to Aquaponics. Many nights were spent cooking with fire, eating beautiful food, dissecting Van Halen songs, and dreaming up the impossible. We’re living the dream, and love you for it…always.