20 Under 40: Garrett Vanderwyst
Meet Garrett Vanderwyst, 30, vice president operations & business development (energy portfolio) at Farms.com and one of our 20 Under 40 Class of 2024 recipients
WEARING SEVERAL HAT, Garrett Vanderwyst, is vice president operations and business development with Farms.com, a co-founder of Argent Resources and Argent Electrical Inc., as well as chair of the Libro Credit Union board of directors. As an executive, Garrett leads a London-based team in the fast-evolving energy and construction service sectors. While entrepreneurial by nature, he has built a career in finance, managing a portfolio of solar assets across Ontario with Farms.com. His governance journey began in 2018 with Libro Credit Union, where he now proudly serves as board chair. Rooted in small-town values and driven by London’s vibrant business community, he is passionate about inspiring young professionals through hard work, relationships and meaningful community contributions.
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What would you say is your single biggest business achievement, and why?
I have experienced a few instances of setting a big, hairy, audacious goal and achieving it. They all have varying levels of ‘bigness’, but two stand out. Most recently, joining a management team to turn around a client’s challenged solar investment on behalf of its unitholders. In under two years, we have been able to implement an operating strategy, attract talent and celebrate 2024 as the first profitable year in the client’s history. Additionally, Libro Credit Union has always been important to me — it is where I opened my first account and plays a key role in our community. Being involved in governance has been an impactful learning opportunity for me and serving as chair for an incredible organization and board is an honour.
“My biggest ambition is still to farm full-time on my own terms”
What about your biggest business obstacle, and how did you face it?
Losing my father and connection to the family business around the time I was graduating university was a challenging period for me. It took years for me to regain a sense of equilibrium in life. I am lucky to have my wife and some dear friends who helped me readjust and eventually I refocused on finding new opportunities with problems to solve and different ways to grow and add value.
What is your biggest ambition?
I have a laundry list of goals to be the best executive and leader I can be, but my biggest ambition is still to farm full-time on my own terms.
You’re about to head off on your dream vacation — where are you headed?
Many months in Italy.
If you weren’t working in your current field, what would you be doing?
One of my first career-oriented jobs was working as a grain merchandiser — I love that world and would probably be doing something similar.
What’s left for you to do, professionally or personally?
Personally, my wife and I have recently started a family, and I am excited to be leaning in to my role as a husband and father. Professionally, behind mountains are more mountains, and I am still on the base camp. Balancing my passion for ‘mountain climbing’ with a fulfilling life is ultimate success. 
Interview by Kieran Delamont