Meet Derek Wolf | Founder/CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Derek Wolf and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derek, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The inspiration behind Hemp and Block began with a shared mission between founders Derek Wolf and Halley Combs: to develop a non-toxic, sustainable building material using American-grown hemp.

With over a decade of experience in natural health and dietary supplement manufacturing, we both knew the importance of creating healthy environments—inside and out. But the spark truly ignited when Halley’s close high school friend faced a heartbreaking situation: her daughter became seriously ill from black mold exposure in their Arizona apartment.

I’ll never forget the struggle my friend went through just trying to break her lease and move to protect her daughter’s health. It was just one of many stories I’d heard over the years about the hidden dangers in our homes.

This deep understanding of how toxic materials and mold can impact real families became a driving force behind the company’s vision.

At the same time, Derek had been researching European hempcrete technologies for years, waiting for the right time to bring this solution to American soil. That moment came in 2012, when hemp prohibition was lifted in Colorado. What began as an idea for an online storefront quickly evolved.

We realized the U.S. market wasn’t just underserved—it was missing domestic hempcrete production entirely. We knew we had to manufacture it ourselves.”

From that moment on, Hemp and Block became more than a concept—it became a mission: to grow the American hemp building industry from the ground up, block by block.

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Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My professional journey started in the dietary supplement industry, where I spent over a decade ensuring product quality, regulatory compliance, and consumer safety. As head of quality control and compliance, I learned to pay close attention to detail, navigate complex regulations, and uphold the highest standards—skills that now deeply inform my work in sustainable building.

Transitioning from supplements to hempcrete might seem like a leap, but both industries are grounded in wellness—one for the body, the other for the planet. What sets me apart is that I bring a compliance-driven mindset to an emerging, largely unregulated space. I’m passionate about building trust in a young industry through transparency, performance, and education.

Starting Hemp and Block LLC was not easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I faced underfunding, skepticism, and the challenge of introducing a new material to a traditional construction world. But I overcame those barriers through persistence, constant learning, and surrounding myself with other mission-driven people. I’ve learned that resilience and clarity of purpose are essential—especially when you’re building something the world doesn’t fully understand yet.

What I’m most proud of is that we’re creating something tangible, healthy, and lasting. Our hempcrete blocks are fire-resistant, mold-proof, carbon-storing, and radically reduce a building’s energy footprint. Every block we make is a small stand for sustainability—and a better future for our communities.

I want the world to know that Hemp and Block is more than just a product—it’s a movement. We believe homes and buildings should work with nature, not against it. Our story is one of reinvention, responsibility, and a relentless commitment to doing things the right way, even when it’s harder.

We’re not just here to manufacture blocks—we’re here to reshape what building can look like in America.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Welcome to Town
We’d start the trip with a stroll down Main Street to soak in the charm and character of downtown Montrose. I’d take them to Backstreet Bagel for breakfast (the green chile bagel sandwich is always a hit), and we’d wander through the shops and galleries before catching a private tour of The Temple Events—a stunning 1912 Masonic temple I help steward, now restored as a vibrant venue for music, art, and gatherings. If there’s a live show or pop-up market happening there that week, we’re going!

Day 2: River Day at Riverbottom Park
The next day, it’s all about sunshine and fun. We’d pack a picnic and head to Riverbottom Park in Cerise Park. It’s the best spot for paddleboarding, tubing, or just cooling off in the river with a float. Afterward, we’d grab burgers at Horsefly Brewing Company—local, laid-back, and always lively with live music and craft brews.

Day 3: Wine and Sunset
Midweek calls for a little elegance. We’d visit LaNoue DuBois Winery, just outside town, for a slow afternoon of wine tasting with views of the valley. Their wines are thoughtfully crafted, and the experience is intimate and relaxing. Then, dinner at The Stone House—a Montrose classic—followed by golden-hour views from Sunset Mesa overlooking the Uncompahgre River Valley.

Day 4: Adventure Hike to Blue Lakes
This is the big outdoor day! We’d lace up our hiking boots and head into the mountains for a day hike to the Blue Lakes—arguably one of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado. The alpine lake views are surreal, and it’s a great way to reconnect with nature. After that kind of hike, we’d reward ourselves with tacos and margs at Mi Mexico or wood-fired pizza at Phelanies.

Day 5: Ouray Escape
We’d take a scenic 45-minute drive into the mountains to spend the day in Ouray, often called the “Switzerland of America.” First stop: Box Canyon Falls, where the roaring water rushes through towering rock walls. After a short hike, we’d grab drinks and lunch at the Ouray Brewery Rooftop Bar with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. In the afternoon, we’d unwind in the Ouray Hot Springs, then cap off the day with hand-dipped chocolates and famous scrap cookies from Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee—a sweet Ouray tradition.

Day 6: Black Canyon Magic
No trip to Montrose is complete without seeing the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. We’d do a sunrise drive out, walk along the South Rim, and take in views that are truly awe-inspiring. It’s like Colorado’s mini Grand Canyon—raw, dramatic, and often uncrowded. Then we’d head back into town for dinner at Camp Robber or something upscale and unexpected at Remington’s at the Bridges.

Day 7: Sanborn Park Send-Off
For the final day, we’d head up to my family’s ranch in Sanborn Park—a quiet paradise tucked away in the mountains with a private lake and incredible views of the San Juan Mountains. We’d spend the day paddleboarding, kayaking, maybe casting a fishing line, and watching the clouds roll over the peaks. It’s peaceful, grounding, and the perfect way to close out a Colorado adventure—surrounded by nature, unplugged, and totally at peace.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our families have stood behind us every step of the way.

Website: https://Hempandblock.com

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