S+S Mycolabs began almost accidentally in 2023 when Fred's gigantic white oak tree crashed down during a wicked thunderstorm. Armed with chainsaws, logs were cut and inoculated with dowels impregnated with Shiitake, Lion's Mane, and King Oyster spawn. Thus began an interest in mushrooms and mycology.
One short year later, weekly forays into local woods and guided fungi hikes led by local naturalists stimulated exploration, learning and experimentation. Today, we have edible mushrooms growing in indoor Shotgun Fruiting Chambers (SGFC), blue oysters growing outside in dedicated gardens, and reishi, turkey tail, and lion's mane tinctures extracting in jars.
Fred Schill and Don Slobodien have been friends since meeting at Ohio Wesleyan University in 1971.
Fred attended Case Western Reserve dental school after earning his Bachelor's degree in Zoology. A life-long learner and constant explorer, Fred has well-developed interests in beekeeping, piloting small aircraft, fly fishing, gardening, and, more recently, the medicinal benefits of mushrooms.
After earning a BA in Botany/Bacteriology, Don worked in Bacteriology, Chemistry, and Toxicology labs for several years before transitioning into a long career of grant writing and consulting for nonprofit agencies. His interest in mycology began when Fred's white oak tree cam crashing down.