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Golden Garden Compost: Turning Dreams into Fertile Ground

UNO student’s startup takes root in sustainability.

  • published: 2025/03/18
  • contact: Melissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBA
  • email: melissalindell@unomaha.edu
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Brady and Emily Faltys with the grand prize trophy at the Governor's New Venture Competition

Brady Faltys started his entrepreneurial journey at just 12 years old with a lawn mower and a Facebook post. What began as a simple lawn care hustle in Norfolk, Nebraska, quickly grew into a thriving operation with a crew of friends to meet skyrocketing demand.

By 18, Faltys sold his lawn care business and moved to Omaha to study accounting in the College of Business Administration (CBA) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). But he didn’t stop there—he ventured into real estate, buying, flipping, and renting properties.

Now, as a college sophomore, a member of the CBA Scholars Academy, and Vice President of UNO's Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO), Faltys has teamed up with his sister Emily to launch Golden Garden Compost. Their startup is on a mission to make composting easier and more accessible for a new generation of eco-conscious gardeners.

💡 Why it matters: Compost is traditionally sold to large-scale farmers. However, with 20% of Gen Z and 30% of millennials identifying as gardeners, there's a demand for smaller, user-friendly compost solutions. Golden Garden Compost aims to meet that demand with 10-pound premium compost packages available online.

A Dream Team and a Big Break

"I've always thought my sister and I would be a dream team," said Faltys. "She's amazing at marketing and sales, and I handle the production and financials."

Their big break came when they heard about the Governor's New Venture Competition through Josh Demers at UNL's Innovation Campus. After scrambling to submit their pitch by the December 15 deadline, the siblings advanced through three rigorous rounds, receiving invaluable feedback from judges along the way.

In January, their final pitch secured them first place in the competition-- and $20,000 in funding to jumpstart the business, including $12,000 for equipment development, $5,000 for marketing, and $3,000 for bulk packaging purchases.

🔍 Zoom in:

  • Cost-effective innovation: Competitors often rely on equipment costing over $150,000. Golden Garden Compost's system is projected to cost just $10,000, allowing it to operate lean and efficiently.
  • Eco-friendly and odorless: Sourced from a chicken barn in Schuyler, Nebraska, the compost undergoes a special re-composting process to eliminate odor while maximizing its nutrient profile.

🎤 What they're saying:
"This whole process has been incredible," said Faltys. "We've learned so much from the feedback and just had to keep tweaking and refining our pitch. It's been amazing to see it all come together. And Alex Wewel (the Assistant Director of the Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, & Franchising) has been great for mentorship and guidance for how to make a business plan, and how to pitch to investors."

🌍 The big picture: Golden Garden Compost's mission aligns with UNO's commitment to workforce and economic development. The startup not only champions sustainable agriculture but also showcases the entrepreneurial spirit cultivated at UNO.

⚡ What's next: The company aims to launch its first batch of products this summer. With a growing market and a clear strategy, Golden Garden Compost is set to become a household name for gardeners nationwide.

To learn more about the Nebraska Governor’s New Venture Competition program or to apply for it yourself, go to https://negovnewventure.com/

“I love being here at UNO. There are so many incredible opportunities for students with all the businesses here in Omaha,” Faltys said.