kimi chadwick - 7 figures in Six-Weeks at CRAVEN PUMPKIN PATCH - Without Any Farming Experience!
In this episode of "How I Built my Small Business," host Anne McGinty interviews Kimmy Chadwick, the co-owner of Craven Farm in Snohomish, Washington. Kimmy shares her inspiring journey from urban life to managing one of the most beloved pumpkin patches in the area. She and her husband, despite having no prior farming experience, successfully transformed Craven Farm into a thriving family business. This blog post will delve into the main topics discussed in the episode, highlighting the challenges, strategies, and successes that have defined their journey.
Kimmy and her husband were looking for a business where they could involve their children and create lasting family memories. After exploring various opportunities, they stumbled upon Craven Farm, the original pumpkin patch of Snohomish, Washington, established in 1983. The previous owners had built a strong community following, and Kimmy and her husband were eager to continue this legacy. They leveraged their diverse backgrounds in business, floral design, and food concessions to bring new life to the farm.
One of the first strategic changes Kimmy implemented was introducing a Christmas festival. While they don't currently grow their own Christmas trees, they bring in fresh-cut trees, host a Santa breakfast, and offer a range of festive activities, including a light display and choirs. The Christmas festival has been a work in progress, but it has already seen significant success, with events like the Santa breakfast selling out quickly. Kimmy is also exploring the possibility of a drive-through lighting experience to enhance the Christmas offerings further.
The acquisition of Craven Farm was a phased process involving seller financing, which allowed for a smooth transition from the previous owners. This approach enabled Kimmy and her husband to learn the business operations while maintaining continuity. Seasonal events like the Easter egg hunt have been particularly successful, providing valuable insights into online ticket sales and customer preferences. The farm also hosts weddings, which run from May through August, adding another revenue stream.
Running a family business comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. Kimmy emphasizes the importance of setting priorities and learning to say no to opportunities that don't align with their business goals. She advocates for starting small and making incremental improvements, sharing personal anecdotes like the shift from selling single donuts to packages of six, which significantly boosted sales. Self-care, time management, and delegation are crucial for managing the various aspects of the business effectively.
Community engagement is a cornerstone of Craven Farm's success. Kimmy highlights the supportive local farming community that has been instrumental in their journey. Despite being in direct competition with other farms, there is a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support. This community spirit has helped Kimmy and her husband navigate the challenges of running a seasonal business and continually innovate to meet customer expectations.
The podcast episode also touches on the importance of leveraging past experiences and being open to trying new things. Kimmy's background in floral design and wedding coordination, combined with her husband's experience in the fair food concession business, has enabled them to create a unique and diverse range of attractions at Craven Farm. From apple cannons and corn mazes to axe throwing and cow trains, the farm offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages.
As they look to the future, Kimmy and her husband are focused on continuing to build on the traditions established by the previous owners while exploring new opportunities for growth. They are considering expanding their Christmas offerings and exploring other seasonal events that can attract more visitors. The goal is to create authentic farm experiences that resonate with the community and provide lasting memories for families.
In conclusion, this episode of "How I Built my Small Business" offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of running a family farm. Kimmy Chadwick's journey from city life to farm life is a testament to the power of community, innovation, and perseverance. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply interested in learning more about the intricacies of running a seasonal business, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.
Join us next week for more inspiring stories and actionable tips from successful small business owners. Don't forget to hit the follow button on your favorite streaming platform to stay updated with the latest episodes!
