A single tray of microgreens changed the trajectory of Connor Hiebel’s life. In this episode, Mark Porteous talks with the founder of Island Microgreens, whose childhood health challenges inspired him to grow nutrient-dense vegetables at home — and eventually build a mission-driven company helping families do the same.

Connor opens up about how microgreens supported his healing, how entrepreneurship helped him overcome deep social anxiety, and why he’s now focused on empowering kids, communities, and food-desert regions to grow their own fresh produce. His story is a powerful reminder of what happens when purpose leads the way.

Keytakeaways:

– How microgreens helped Connor heal chronic inflammation and rebuild his health.

– Why microgreens are easy to grow at home and up to 40x more nutrient dense than mature vegetables.

– How entrepreneurship pushed Connor beyond social anxiety and expanded his confidence.

– Why aligning your business with your mission matters more than short-term profit.

– How growing microgreens engages kids, improves eating habits, and strengthens family connection.

– Connor’s vision to bring fresh, affordable produce to schools and food-desert communities.

About Connor Hiebel:

Connor Hiebel is a trailblazing entrepreneur, international speaker, and bestselling author known for inspiring audiences through his journey of resilience, innovation, and impact. Raised in Florida, he launched his first business at 14, turning his passion for health into a thriving microgreens enterprise.

Connor’s expertise spans entrepreneurship, personal development, and health. He is the author of the Amazon bestseller Let’s Get Growing: A Teen’s Guide to Entrepreneurial Success and is set to release his second book, The Power of 4%.

As an international speaker, he has shared the stage with leaders like Dr. Robert Goldman, Marie Diamond, Sharon Lecter, Roger Wakefield, and Greg Reid. His work has been featured on global podcasts and in leading magazines, making him a trusted voice for young entrepreneurs and health advocates.

Passionate about giving back, Connor supports philanthropic causes including the Coalition for the Homeless and the US Pain Foundation. Having dedicated the past 12 years to growing his own health, he now inspires others to grow theirs.

Connor’s Website:

https://ameliaislandmicrogreens.com/

About Me:

Hi, I’m Mark Porteous; the Soul Connector.

My stand is for ALL people to recognize themselves as Divine Beings who have chosen the human experience for a reason and to live in alignment with that knowing, so they can THRIVE in their purpose of transforming lives.

I help mission driven entrepreneurs to make their Soul Connections so that they can impact and change the world, scale their businesses to six and seven figures, and enjoy thrilling Soul Success in every arena of their lives.

Connect with me at:

https://markporteous.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcporteous

https://www.instagram.com/mark.porteous1/

https://www.facebook.com/markcporteous/

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