ABOUT US
About Goldleaf Hydroponics
Goldleaf Hydroponics was built on a simple belief: when people are given the right tools, clear guidance, and genuine support, growing becomes empowering—not overwhelming.
Founded in Bloomington, Indiana, Goldleaf Hydroponics, LLC officially opened its doors on November 28, 2016, by owners Kyle and Monica Billman. What began as a local hydroponics shop has grown into a trusted consulting-driven business serving home growers, educators, farmers, and communities both locally and nationwide.
About Goldleaf Hydroponics
Goldleaf Hydroponics was built on a simple belief: when people are given the right tools, clear guidance, and genuine support, growing becomes empowering—not overwhelming.
Founded in Bloomington, Indiana, Goldleaf Hydroponics, LLC officially opened its doors on November 28, 2016, by owners Kyle and Monica Billman. What began as a local hydroponics shop has grown into a trusted consulting-driven business serving home growers, educators, farmers, and communities both locally and nationwide.
OUR ROOTS
Owner Kyle Billman brings decades of hands-on industry experience to Goldleaf. Prior to founding the company, Kyle worked with Worm’s Way / Bloomington Wholesale Garden Supply (BWGS) / Sunleaves Garden Products, a Bloomington-based horticultural leader founded in 1985. From 2014 to 2016, Kyle worked directly for Worm’s Way, Inc., gaining extensive knowledge in hydroponics, indoor growing systems, and customer education.
When Worm’s Way closed in 2016, Kyle and Monica saw an opportunity—not just to continue a legacy, but to reimagine what a local grow shop could be.
OUR ROOTS
Owner Kyle Billman brings decades of hands-on industry experience to Goldleaf. Prior to founding the company, Kyle worked with Worm’s Way / Bloomington Wholesale Garden Supply (BWGS) / Sunleaves Garden Products, a Bloomington-based horticultural leader founded in 1985. From 2014 to 2016, Kyle worked directly for Worm’s Way, Inc., gaining extensive knowledge in hydroponics, indoor growing systems, and customer education.
When Worm’s Way closed in 2016, Kyle and Monica saw an opportunity—not just to continue a legacy, but to reimagine what a local grow shop could be.
GROWING WITH THE COMMUNITY
From the very beginning, Goldleaf Hydroponics has been deeply rooted in community education and outreach.
In 2017, Kyle and Monica launched goldleafhydro.com and expanded into e-commerce, while also volunteering locally. Kyle taught an after-school Growers Club at Edgewood Elementary and began instructing Master Gardener programs across multiple counties. That same year, Goldleaf became a regular vendor at the Bloomington Farmers Market, connecting directly with local growers and families.
In 2018, Kyle designed and installed a hydroponic system in a third-grade classroom at Fairview Elementary, where students celebrated their harvest together by sharing a “Friendship Salad.” Goldleaf also continued the long-standing Worm’s Way tradition of a customer appreciation event, renaming it Summer Growers Fest, and began offering free beginner gardening classes to the public.
Goldleaf has remained actively involved with Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, donating grow lights, equipment, and serving as a trusted resource for garden supplies. The company has also supported the IU Food Institute, donating equipment and helping establish Goldleaf Growers at Indiana University.
GROWING WITH THE COMMUNITY
From the very beginning, Goldleaf Hydroponics has been deeply rooted in community education and outreach.
In 2017, Kyle and Monica launched goldleafhydro.com and expanded into e-commerce, while also volunteering locally. Kyle taught an after-school Growers Club at Edgewood Elementary and began instructing Master Gardener programs across multiple counties. That same year, Goldleaf became a regular vendor at the Bloomington Farmers Market, connecting directly with local growers and families.
In 2018, Kyle designed and installed a hydroponic system in a third-grade classroom at Fairview Elementary, where students celebrated their harvest together by sharing a “Friendship Salad.” Goldleaf also continued the long-standing Worm’s Way tradition of a customer appreciation event, renaming it Summer Growers Fest, and began offering free beginner gardening classes to the public.
Goldleaf has remained actively involved with Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, donating grow lights, equipment, and serving as a trusted resource for garden supplies. The company has also supported the IU Food Institute, donating equipment and helping establish Goldleaf Growers at Indiana University.
EXPANDING IMPACT
In 2019, Goldleaf began consulting with Growing Opportunities in Bloomington, supplying hydroponic equipment and leading educational seminars. Following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, Goldleaf also began consulting with local farms to help establish some of Indiana’s first legal hemp farms.
By the end of 2019, Goldleaf relocated to its permanent location on South Empire Road, providing more space to grow its vision.
In 2020, Goldleaf secured its own hemp license and began growing cannabis plants on display in-store for educational purposes. That same year, Kyle and Monica launched the Goldleaf Farmers’ Market, bringing fresh, local food to Bloomington’s south side every Saturday for 27 weeks. The market hosted up to 30 vendors weekly, including farmers, bakers, artisans, food trucks, and live music—strengthening local food access and community connection.
Goldleaf also expanded internationally, forming a partnership with a farm in Ghana to grow native West African plants and distribute bulk spices across the U.S., while shipping propagation and seed-starting supplies overseas.
EXPANDING IMPACT
In 2019, Goldleaf began consulting with Growing Opportunities in Bloomington, supplying hydroponic equipment and leading educational seminars. Following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, Goldleaf also began consulting with local farms to help establish some of Indiana’s first legal hemp farms.
By the end of 2019, Goldleaf relocated to its permanent location on South Empire Road, providing more space to grow its vision.
In 2020, Goldleaf secured its own hemp license and began growing cannabis plants on display in-store for educational purposes. That same year, Kyle and Monica launched the Goldleaf Farmers’ Market, bringing fresh, local food to Bloomington’s south side every Saturday for 27 weeks. The market hosted up to 30 vendors weekly, including farmers, bakers, artisans, food trucks, and live music—strengthening local food access and community connection.
Goldleaf also expanded internationally, forming a partnership with a farm in Ghana to grow native West African plants and distribute bulk spices across the U.S., while shipping propagation and seed-starting supplies overseas.
A Consulting-First Approach
As demand for personalized guidance increased, Goldleaf pivoted in 2020 to a consulting-focused model, introducing monthly memberships and subscription programs. This shift allowed Goldleaf to serve as more than just a supply store—becoming a trusted partner for new and experienced home growers alike.
In 2021, Goldleaf began commercially supplying microgreens to restaurants in Bloomington and Indianapolis, while also offering tours of its micro greenery and hosting virtual classes with Indiana University during COVID.
Today & Beyond
In 2025, Goldleaf completed a full remodel of its retail space and consulting lounge to reflect its evolved mission. Today, Goldleaf supports growers across the country by:
- Serving as an accountability partner for home growers
- Helping clients save time, money, and frustration
- Increasing yields from the very beginning
- Cutting through conflicting online advice with clear, proven guidance
- Identifying niche opportunities in a rapidly evolving cannabis and home-growing landscape
As laws change and interest in high-quality homegrown products grows, Goldleaf continues to adapt—while staying grounded in education, integrity, and community.
Today & Beyond
In 2025, Goldleaf completed a full remodel of its retail space and consulting lounge to reflect its evolved mission. Today, Goldleaf supports growers across the country by:
- Serving as an accountability partner for home growers
- Helping clients save time, money, and frustration
- Increasing yields from the very beginning
- Cutting through conflicting online advice with clear, proven guidance
- Identifying niche opportunities in a rapidly evolving cannabis and home-growing landscape
As laws change and interest in high-quality homegrown products grows, Goldleaf continues to adapt—while staying grounded in education, integrity, and community.
Our Mission
At Goldleaf Hydroponics, we’re here to make growing accessible, enjoyable, and successful. Whether you’re growing food, plants, or something new entirely, we believe the best results come from experience, education, and honest support—every step of the way.