Meet Eric Francis
Systems thinker. Operator. Builder of what's next. Eric partners with purpose-driven leaders and legacy businesses to turn complexity into clarity—and ideas into scalable systems. From transforming farms into living classrooms to helping businesses grow without chaos, his work is less about where he’s been and more about where he’s taking others.
Rooted in Resilience & Built for Execution
Eric’s path has never been linear—but he’s never backed down from a challenge. Every setback became a lesson, every detour a chance to build. He learned by doing—launching ventures, solving real-world problems, and turning ideas into systems that scale.
Today, he brings that mindset to both Farm to X and his work as a fractional COO and integrator—helping founders, educators, and operators design what’s next and execute with clarity, momentum, and measurable impact.
“Systems thinker and hands-in-the-dirt builder.”
22 Years of Continuous Improvement
This catalytic moment propelled Eric to educate himself through action. He launched small hustles and immersed himself in community-building—developing a passion for turning ideas into businesses and impact projects.
Eric founded Community Central, a grassroots incubator that brought student ideas to life through real-world execution, blending campus energy with street-level action.
He joined a family construction business to spin out a venture building modular additions so aging adults could stay in their homes with dignity—leading ops, sales, and market launch.
Eric founded one of New England’s first indoor aquaponics farms, raising capital, designing systems, and delivering produce while turning farms into platforms for education and local resilience.
Co-founded and hosted over 150 episodes that sparked collaborations and investment across Connecticut’s startup scene.
Launched a farm-fresh salad subscription for workplaces. The pandemic forced a hard pivot but paved the way to transform farms into living classrooms.
While with Techstars, Eric launched a collegiate entrepreneurship initiative with Sacred Heart University—guiding professors and students through startup fundamentals during a time of uncertainty.
Formalized the vision to turn working farms into hands-on classrooms serving homeschoolers and public schools alike.
Partners with family-owned and scaling businesses to build the systems and clarity needed to grow without the chaos.
Today: Farm To X & Fractional Ops
Farm to X reimagines working farms as engines of education—blending STEM, sustainability, and entrepreneurship into real-world learning experiences. Students get hands-on. Farmers get new revenue. Communities get stronger.
Visit Farm To XEric serves as a fractional COO and integrator, helping scaling businesses implement the systems, people, and processes that unlock growth. He doesn’t just consult—he executes, bringing structure to mission-driven brands ready to scale without losing soul.
Guiding Beliefs
Rule-Break for Good:
Breaking the rules isn’t rebellion—it’s responsibility when the rules no longer serve people.
Real Learning Leaves Calluses:
Growth comes from showing up, getting hands-on, and turning raw ideas into real outcomes.
Shared Wins Over Short Wins:
A good deal benefits everyone it touches—farmer, founder, or field team.
Execution is the Edge:
Ideas don’t scale—systems do. Momentum comes from process, discipline, and clarity.
Local is Scalable:
Strong systems start close to home. Proximity builds trust—and trust builds everything else.
Milestones in Brief
- 22+ years building across Education, AgTech, Home Services, Local Food, and more.
- $2.5M+ in grant funding written and won for infrastructure, education, and workforce programs
- 1000s of students learn each year through hands-on systems Eric built
- Led Techstars University Accelerator in partnership with Sacred Heart University
- 150+ episodes hosted on CTStartup Podcast, sparking ventures, investments, and collaborations
Why Work With Eric?
- 1.He Builds the Machine
- 2.He Makes Strategy Tangible
- 3.He Bridges Purpose and Process
- 4.He Brings the Right Partners
- 5.He’s Done the Work
Invest in Your Growth
Choose the coaching program that aligns with your ambitions and let's build something remarkable together.
- Monthly 90-min strategy workshop
- Email support + async Loom feedback (48h)
- Templates + resource library
- 2x additional 60-min 1:1 sessions
- Fortnightly 90-min sessions
- Unlimited async reviews
- All Launchpad features
- 4x 1:1 strategy sessions
- In-depth audit & strategic roadmap
- Weekly group coaching
- All Accelerator features
- 8x 1:1 sessions
- Direct Slack access to Eric
Voices of Impact
Hear what others have to say about working with Eric.
Eric took our ‘someday’ idea for an outdoor STEM lab and launched it in six weeks—kids are now charting soil moisture on iPads while farmers earn more than pick-your-own.
Superintendent, CT Public Schools
Connecticut School District
Working with Eric on our operational strategy was a game-changer. His insights into ag-tech and business development helped us streamline processes and identify new revenue streams.
Jane M., CEO
GreenSprout Farms
Eric's ability to translate complex agricultural concepts into engaging educational programs is unparalleled. Our homeschool co-op has benefited immensely from the Farm To X field trips.
David L., Co-op Organizer
Evergreen Homeschool Collective
Get In Touch
Ready to connect? Let's schedule a conversation.