Ryan is Cofounder and CEO at Rooted. Prior to that he was an investment banker turned product leader, developing joyful technology to help people date, watch films, and listen to music at companies like Sony Music and Samsung. The only 30 under 30 he’ll get anytime soon is on a boneless wings deal at Popeyes. His parents still wonder why he left a cushy job to sell plants.

Kay is the Creative Director and Cofounder at Rooted NYC. Prior to that he was an art director at some of the world’s most influential ad agencies such as droga5, 72andSunny, and Goodby, Silverstein & Partners. He’s worked on everything from Samsung to Pizza Hut and everything in-between. When he is not working, he is usually outdoors either climbing or surfing. To this day, his parents still don’t know what he does for a living.

What inspired you all to create this company?
We believe a connection to nature makes you healthier and happier. We’re building the garden center of the future so that plants can be affordable, accessible, and enjoyable for all.

What distinguishes your company and product in the market?
We’re a technology platform that connects wholesale garden centers to consumers, which doesn’t exist. Others selling plants are traditional DTC (The Sill) or big-box distributors (Home Depot).