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Last week, my friend Nelly Wu of W&T Seafood called to tell me some sad news. Justin Taylor, the patriarch, humble farmer and founder of Taylor Shellfish Farms, had passed away. She called to find out if the family could share some of the footage we captured of him during our trip out West last year to document sustainable oyster and shellfish farming.  Mr. Taylor was 89-years-old when I interviewed him at his headquarters in Shelton, Washington. He had a rare energy. A true presence, albeit gentle. As if he’d seen and done it all, carrying his wisdom and life experience so effortlessly in our conversation. Anyhow, I wanted to share some of these moments with him during our interview, and show you a little bit about the great shellfish company he built…

So enjoy this behind-the-scenes peek into Taylor Shellfish Farm‘s oyster plant where tens of millions of oysters are prepared for market every year. See the shucking process, the grading and the inspecting that takes place to make sure good, healthy sustainable oysters make it to your plate every time. This is what Justin Taylor, more than anything, wanted to be remembered for: a good family run business, focused on quality, that he could be proud of.