holistic business/life: our journey with strategic farm planning
TRANSCRIPT
Our Journey www.strawberryhillfarm.ca
Starting point Original plans for farm Change of plans Lots of decisions Jumping in so fast brought a lot of
expenses right away Costs a lot to run a farm Employee issues
Major – drugs, people leaving, crops left in field
Family issues
Need to Refocus Work became all consuming No weekends or time off Strained relationship – marriage in jeopardy Difficult to keep going as we were
Winter packing and delivery challenges Kirsten’s Outlook Tim’s Outlook Go larger or go smaller Need to be on the same page
Where to go for Help? Other Farmers? Successful business person and advisor
Went to see Andrew Hordyk in ON Aborist and business owner for 15 years Trainer Good work life balance Similar moral and family values
Personal Goals Goosebump meter
Are you happy with current status ○ Business? ○ Personal life?
Relationships Time with Family R&R away from farm Bucket List Volunteering
How can farm or business support your personal goals?
Smaller with fewer employees? Building a team approach? Our story Difficult to keep going as we were
Winter packing and delivery challenges Market strong
Business Plan
How did it work out? Were able to do all that was in the plan
and more Buy home for foreign workers Moved warehouse ahead one year
Easier to pay bills Employee situation better but still need
improvement Finding, hiring, and keeping good help has
become #1 issue. Personal life improving