Dale Speetjens

Dale Speetjens is the Founder, President, and CEO of Shipshape Urban Farms, a company he founded in November 2016.3 He grew up in the Daphne/Fairhope area of Alabama and attended Daphne High School.1 After high school, Speetjens served in the U.S. Army as a satellite communications specialist from 2000 to 2006.2

Speetjens pursued his education at Auburn University, where he earned:

• A Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design (3.89 GPA)
• A Master's degree in Landscape Architecture (3.8 GPA)
• A Master's degree in Urban Planning123

After graduating, Speetjens worked briefly for the mayor's innovation team in Mobile, Alabama, and taught as a Visiting Adjunct Assistant Professor at Auburn University.13

In 2016, Dale and his wife Angela founded Shipshape Urban Farms, focusing on vertical farming and sustainable food production.2 The company designs and manufactures modular, hydroponic farms to make fresh vegetables accessible in urban markets year-round.3 Their goal is to revolutionize food production and distribution through innovative farming practices and technology.2

Speetjens has received several honors, including:

• Outstanding Graduate Student Leadership Award from Auburn University (2014)
• Nomination for Harvard Kennedy School Innovations in American Government Award (2016)
• Bloomberg Transformer Award (2016)
• 40 under 40 recognition by Mobile Bay Magazine (2018)3

Dale Speetjens continues to lead Shipshape Urban Farms, working towards creating sustainable farming solutions and expanding their impact across Alabama and beyond.24