WeatherVane Creamery

Day 30- Jeanne Carpenter

Posted on December 30, 2012 by admin

Being too cheap to actually purchase the book, I checked out The Master Cheesemakers of Wisconsin book by Becca Dilley and James Norton last winter From the River Falls Public Library. And before I go any further, I want to make it clear that this is a book to purchase, especially if you want to know what some of the very best cheeses are in this state. In any case, there was an inset in the book about the Cheese Underground blogger, Jeanne Carpenter. I marked that page with a PostIt note. Not long after that, I signed up for a free upgrade from LinkedIn. I don’t know how they do this, but they guaranteed that people would respond back to an email. I had three of those to spend. So I spent one to get in touch with Jeanne. I introduced myself, included the link to the River Falls Journal article and asked if I could pick her brain. And that’s how I got to meet Jeanne Carpenter.

Here is her bio from the American Cheese Society webpage: Jeanne Carpenter is a cheese geek, but she didn’t start out that way. Raised on Velveeta on a family farm in Wisconsin, after college she worked as a journalist, a corporate manager, and finally as a communications specialist for state government. In 2007, she started her own public relations company to promote artisan cheese. In 2009, Jeanne launched Wisconsin Cheese Originals, a member-based organization dedicated to discovering, tasting, and learning about artisan cheeses through a variety of events, including an annual festival every November. She authors the blog, Cheese Underground, and has served on the ACS Marketing Committee since 2008.

Jeanne Carpenter

All I think I knew at the time is that she wrote the blog and had a background in journalism. Not long after we had our initial phone conversation, I emailed her a press release that I made for the indiegogo campaign. I took a journalism class in high school so I knew that there was a proper form that the media liked to see those things in. I asked her to help me with that formatting. Next thing I knew, I received an entirely revamped press release that was WAY better than mine and she offered to send it to all of her contacts that she had collected in the industry. Turns out this is another thing that Jeanne does for a living. And as you can see from WeatherVane Creamery’s News page, that press release got a ton of mileage including a call from a journalist in New Jersey who freelances for Entrepreneur and Gourmet Retailer magazines who wanted my exclusive story (when I raised the $100,000 of course). You’ll note that Jeanne also blogged about WeatherVane Creamery. It’s kind of funny to be blogging back at her now. She called me spunky…what do I get to call her? Sharp and passionate. Also generous and committed to the specialty cheese industry.

Jeanne has given me great advice and even gave me a list of cheeses that WeatherVane must carry. This list is in my business plan. Other things that I came across as a result of Jeanne is the scholarship info for the American Cheese Society conference. And while at that conference, she helped introduce me to other cheese retailers. I was very relieved that she was there. I didn’t know anyone and it made a difference to know that I had a friend out there. She also turned me on to the Dairy Business Innovation Center and the Specialty Cheese Institute. I even employed her for my last press release and highly recommend her to anyone.

Jeanne is truly a gem, not just to me but for the entire specialty cheese industry, and most importantly our industry here in Wisconsin. I am very grateful to have her acquaintance and support.

Posted in Business, Personal | Tagged American Cheese Society, Becca Dilley, Dairy industry, indiegogo, James Norton, Jeanne Carpenter, linkedin, press releases, River Falls Journal, River Falls Public Library, The Master Cheesemakers of Wisconsin, WeatherVane Creamery | Leave a comment

Day 29- The Dairy Industry

Posted on December 29, 2012 by admin

When I started developing the business plan towards carrying cheese, I did not quite realize the plethora of support our great state has. It shouldn’t be surprising really. But I am really grateful for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (I mentioned these guys before), The Dairy Business Innovation Center, The American Cheese Society, Wisconsin Specialty Cheese Institute, Babcock Institute, our dairy farmers, and, as I have mentioned before, our great cheesemakers.

I found out about the Dairy Business Innovation Center from Jeanne Carpenter. Spoiler alert! You have to wait until tomorrow to hear more about her. For $100 I applied for 40 hours worth of dairy industry consulting. And while they are now defunct (they regrouped as the Profitable Growth Network), I remain grateful for the wonderful support they gave me. I drove down to Madison and met with three amazing players in the Wisconsin dairy industry. Areas of expertise were financials, business plans, grants, funding and marketing. All three of the consultants read the business plan and looked at the financials. From there, I was given a list of major national cheese store owners to get in touch with and received some support on funding resources. I also met with a former Anheuser-Busch financial executive to redo my Excel spreadsheets. It was $100 very well spent!

I have written about my experience with the American Cheese Society at length in previous blogs back in September. I continue to be grateful for the opportunity they gave me by hosting my time at their national convention. I met with many of those aforementioned dairy retailers out there and did a lot of networking with journalists and cheesemakers. Also a lot of eating of cheese.

The Wisconsin Specialty Cheese Institute is on the business plan to become a member of. They are out of Delavan, WI. Their membership dues are reasonable and provide a great network of both Wisconsin cheesemakers and meat processors.

I met many people who work for the Babcock Institute out at the ACS Convention. Here is the description from their website: The Babcock Institute links the dairy industries in Wisconsin and the U.S. with dairy industries around the world to improve quality of life and foster market development. As the leader in international dairy research, development, and education since 1991, the Institute transforms emerging dairy industries and strengthens the U.S. dairy industry through customized dairy training programs, conferences, research, and market analysis.

And last but not least, I am grateful for our dairy farmers. They lead an unglamorous yet incredibly respectable life. Last year I attended the Pierce County Dairy Banquet in Elmwood, Wisconsin. I don’t really know how to explain what the room was like. Generations of dairy farmers were there with their families. The food was homecooked. The farmers were a rare combination of both proud and humble. It really is something to experience. I respect and honor what our dairy farmers do everyday. I have a sense of what they go through to get a gallon of milk on our tables. For that, I am grateful.

Posted in Business, Personal | Tagged American Cheese Society, babcock institute, Dairy Business Innovation Center, dairy farmers, Dairy industry, Jeanne Carpenter, pierce county dairy banquet, profitable growth network, WeatherVane Creamery, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, wisconsin specialty cheese institute | Leave a comment

Day 28- On Wisconsin!

Posted on December 28, 2012 by admin

Whenever I say that I left Portland, OR to come back to Wisconsin it is not uncommon for people to ask “Why?” And if you can’t tell by the fact that WeatherVane Creamery is a Wisconsin themed store and cafe, I love Wisconsin. I grew up here and then I went away for ten years. Here is a list of things I missed the most from Wisconsin and of which I am most grateful for.

1. Jell-O salads- people on the West coast don’t even know what a Jell-O salad is. Whenever I brought Jell-O salads up, I would invariably be met with a scrunched up nose. Add things like pretzels, cottage cheese, or marshmallows to the conversation and people would get increasingly skeptical that such a thing exists much less is edible.

2. Casseroles (known as “hotdish” in MN)-

Tater tot casserole anyone? Not out in Portland. I don’t know how they have managed to escape this phenomenon. To their credit, they were known to make a green been casserole at Thanksgiving. That one managed to squeak through the Rocky Mountains somehow to infiltrate the Coast.

3. The people- There is a different culture here in the Midwest than on the West Coast. Not to say that they don’t get things done- obviously they do with big companies like Intel, Microsoft, and Boeing. There is a different work ethic out there. As a manager, this was especially trying. It was also a little jarring to have professionals in the office talking openly about what their shaman told them last week. Everyone let’s everything hang out. You can cross dress, ride a unicycle in the street clad in Darth Vader mask and kilt (true story!), or have a pirate parade in all seriousness in Portland. Many times I shook my head and muttered “f$!kin’ Portland”. It wasn’t before I was just about to leave that it all became somehow endearing.

4. The terrain-

Rocky Arbor State Park

Out on the West Coast there is beautiful and magnificent natural beauty. The ocean and Mt Hood are both an hour away from Portland. Another ring beyond that and you’ve got temperate rain forests and arid deserts complete with lava tubes. From June through August, Portland is a lush green palate rich with roses and rhododendrons. The weather is Eden-like. Sunny, 80 degrees, not a drop in the sky. Cool in the mornings, mild at night. I loved mushroom hunting in the Columbia Gorge or playing in the gazillion waterfalls. But I don’t know. I missed the four seasons. A proper fall with all of the colors. Snow. Hardy Cheeseheads plowing through snow drifts. One winter they got 2 inches and it shut the town town. They don’t salt or plow the roads. You are supposed to buy tire chains. I love this particular area of Wisconsin. We have the St Croix, Mississippi and Kinnikinnick Rivers. There are beautiful bluffs and hidden treasures. Nothing screams “Look at me!” Things seem a little more delicate and precious. Nothing towers over you or threatens to swallow you up here. Then again, we get extreme temperatures. The ones that keep you inside in the winter drinking and playing cards. Or in the summer, it actually gets hot enough to make a dip in a fresh spring refreshing.

5. Deer hunting, snowmobiles, and the Green Bay Packers- These things are self evident. My first year in Portland I was travelling up to the Olympia, WA area for Thanksgiving. You know how we see Christmas trees and dead deer on car roofs? I was passing cars with surf boards. Crazy.

6. Insert your favorite thing about Wisconsin here- I know I didn’t cover everything. What’s your favorite thing about Wisconsin?

Posted in Business, Personal | Tagged Casseroles, Deer hunting, Green Bay Packers, Jell-O, Jell-O Salads, Kinnikinnick River, lava tubes, Mississippi River, Portland OR, Rocky Arbor State Park, snowmobiling, St. Croix River, Wisconsin | Leave a comment

Day 27- Healing and New Beginnings

Posted on December 27, 2012 by admin

I just saw a news article about a woman jumping off the St Croix bridge today, with her 11 year old left in the car on the side of the highway. I think about the tragedy that we had here in River Falls with the Schaffhausen murders this summer. And then there are the traumas that have struck my own family, myself, and others that are dear and close to me. 2012 was a rough year and no one was left out. I remember as a teenager thinking that my problems were unique and no one could possibly understand me. Ha! Turns out I am not that special after all. Just look around.

All year there have been miracles, too. You just have to look for them. I’ve had some amazing ones. Things like winning the American Cheese Society scholarship and being honored out in North Carolina. Equally as amazing have been spring flowers blooming and the sound of the wind through the trees.

There is also a lot of support out there. I’ve worked with doctors, healers, and therapists on a myriad of things this last year. And I consider my boxing coach to be a healer, too. 🙂 My church community and the fellow participants at Landmark Education have also been there for me. There is also a lot of career support for people without jobs and I wrote about those resources the other day.

Do you feel it in the air? The feeling of a new fresh beginning with the New Year? I feel it. Things are getting released and I am ready.

Here is what astrologist Tosha Silver wrote on her facebook page today:

So if you’re emotionally a bit overwrought, well hell…

We’re coming to a Full Moon Friday at 8 degrees Cancer. That’s emotional anyway (Cancer ruling the Moon Herself) but also the Sun in Capricorn conjuncts Pluto, the Lord of Death and Rebirth. Deep, deep emotional healing time, one of the strongest of the year.

Many old feelings are being excavated for healing and acknowledgement. Good to feel them, bless them, offer them to the Divine… No need to blame, judge or repress. You’ll KNOW which to act on and which to just feel and release. Sometimes that’s all they need.

But some ’emotional truths’ may finally come to the surface that have been long repressed. This can honestly be a great, blessed thing. Pluto digs up what under the surface, that’s its job. It gets to the heart of the matter.

“Change me O Divine Beloved into One who can have my feelings without fear or judgement, letting them arise like clouds in the night sky. Let me accept them as holy expressions of my own inner Self. Let me trust and love myself. All is well.”

Posted in Business, Personal | Tagged American Cheese Society, facebook, Hudson WI, Landmark Education, Schaffhausen, St Croix Bridge, Tosha Silver, WeatherVane Creamery | Leave a comment

Day 26- Role Models

Posted on December 26, 2012 by admin

I have heard people in the last decade wonder who will be role models for the next generation. I don’t have an answer that probably appeals to the masses. Only an answer for who my role models are. And it is because of these role models that I know that business can be done a different way and people can be treated well and with compassion. Despite our economy and ENRON and all the blame that goes around, there are visionaries right now who are making business work in a way that would have been unheard of in the 80’s and early 90’s.

Howard Schultz

Most obviously for me is Howard Schultz, creator of Starbucks as we know now and the current ceo(sic). I had no idea what I was getting into the day I stepped into the Chicago Starbucks Corporate Headquarters in January of 2004. As I waited in the lobby for my first interview I picked up Howard’s book, Pour Your Heart Into It. And then, as a Starbucks “partner” (employee), I really got to know Howard. He spoke to us through the store computers on a regular basis, giving us updates and sharing his vision. You will notice that I didn’t capitalize ‘ceo’. At Starbucks, job titles are not capitalized. Honestly, I could write a five page essay on all of the things that Howard does as a fellow human being and business person that sets him apart. Many things the general public don’t even know. Like how Starbucks purchases the most Fair Trade coffee in the world. Or about the clinics and schools that Starbucks puts in third world countries. But mostly, I am interested in Howard’s values of treating people with dignity and respect and his commitment to quality. I have personally seen him speak at the last four Starbucks Shareholder meetings in Seattle and I have always been moved by who he is as a person. If you ever get the chance to read one of his books or to see him speak, do. And then I want to hear about it.

Mary Kay Ash

Another role model for me goes back to my Mary Kay days. Mary Kay Ash was a huge pioneer for both business and, most notably, women. Her God First, Family Second, and Career Third philosophy is pretty gutsy for her time and ours. I am not really interested in the religious particulars. I am more interested in the guts that it takes a business owner to stick their neck out for their personal beliefs knowing that they may be misunderstood or unappreciated by many. She also knew how women wanted to be treated- with compliments and prizes. By making them feel important. As a single mother in the 60’s, Mary Kay Ash began her empire. She is truly inspirational.

Kevin Pechacek

Locally, I really look up to Kevin Pechacek, advisor to WeatherVane Creamery and owner of the WestWind Supper Club and River Valley Catering. Just yesterday, I was asking him about the free Christmas buffet at WestWind that took donations for the River Falls Free Clinic. Christmas Day is the only day that the WestWind is traditionally closed during the year. Not this year. And from working with Kevin over the past six or so months, I know him to be generous, genuine, and compassionate. He is also a very smart businessman and earns every penny that he takes in. He is very sharp and other people around town use him as an example of how to do business. He also is a founding member of a charity in South America that is important to his family. He also is continuously giving back to his community in the form of donations and other things. For WeatherVane Creamery, Kevin is very generous with his time and wisdom.

Otherwise, my other role models are people like Timothy Ferriss, Napolean Hill, Dale Carnegie, Zig Ziglar, etc. There is something for us all to learn from these inspirational and innovative men. There was an AM radio station in Chicago called Motivational Radio or something and I loved it.

I am grateful for these role models in a world where people ask who the role models are. Who are yours?

Posted in Business, Personal | Tagged Dale Carnegie, howard schultz, Kevin Pechacek, Mary Kay Cosmetics. Mary Kay Ash, Napolean Hill, River Falls Free Clinic, River Valley Catering, role models, starbucks coffee company, Timothy Ferriss, WeatherVane Creamery, WestWind Supper Club, Zig Ziglar | Leave a comment

Day 25- Choices

Posted on December 25, 2012 by admin

Today I am grateful for choices. All along this road of life, and especially in the last year and a half, I have always had choices. I can credit this great country of ours or my parents or even previous choices on my part or, most likely, all three. In any case, I am very aware that the choices that I have are a gift. I have chosen who I date, where I live, and my career. I think it would be easy to take all of this for granted if not for little reminders here and there. Right now I have a choice in how many banks I pursue (thanks for Roy for telling me that Walt Disney went to 13 before he got his financing for Disney World). Being on unemployment gave me many choices as well. That absolutely has never gone unnoticed.

Right now I find myself in an interesting position. I have talked to three banks so far. One has rejected financing WeatherVane’s opening costs. The other two are trying to see what they can do. And I guess I have at least ten others to talk to. In fact, a bank called me last week to see if they could do anything to help. At the same time, my personal reserves are due to give way in late February. There are also three amazing job opportunities on the table.

I never would have imagined that I would come to this day with such an abundance of choices. And I guess I am a gambler because I just play all the cards and see which ones come out on top. And of course, I always have veto power. So with this New Year (albeit a little early), I toast to Choices.

Posted in Business, Personal | Tagged Choices, Disney World, unemployment, Walt Disney, WeatherVane Creamery | Leave a comment

Day 24- Faith and Possiblilty

Posted on December 24, 2012 by admin

And fortune tellers and the dragon year. Also for winds taking me to places I never would have thought of going. Grateful indeed. Merry Christmas.

Posted in Business, Personal | Tagged WeatherVane Creamery | Leave a comment

Day 23- All Of The Words Of Encouragement

Posted on December 23, 2012 by admin

I am grateful to all of the strangers, friends, and relatives reminding me that I am human- to give myself a break. I am grateful for graffiti on bathroom walls, someone posting the perfect inspirational photo on facebook, and a random positive message on a sign marquee that says just what I needed to hear. For strangers calling me up just to say they are inspired. For my family sticking with me. For all of you that have never wavered in your belief that I can pull this thing off. For that email from Kate a couple of weeks ago that said she always meant to contribute to the indiegogo campaign and she still wants to. For all the cheers and support. For all the “I know you are going to do it”s and strangers who I’ve had coffee with because they wanted to hear about what I am up to.

If encouragement were dollars, this thing would have happened a year ago. And often it is priceless anyway. It is humbling. It reminds me of who I am when I am feeling down on myself. It reminds me of what I have done and where I have been. And most importantly, it reminds me to keep going. That it is not over. That I have a higher responsibility than myself to continue to do everything in my power to make WeatherVane Creamery happen. Thank you all for the likes on facebook and even more so for the comments and even more so than that, for sharing and telling your friends about WeatherVane Creamery. Thank you. It all astounds me. It reminds me that I am not alone. I feel the love. I am grateful and I appreciate it like you will never know.

Posted in Business, Personal | Tagged encouragement, WeatherVane Creamery | Leave a comment

Day 22- Chief Erin, Maikol, and Gary

Posted on December 22, 2012 by admin

From the beginning and shortly thereafter, there have been three individuals that have contributed to WeatherVane Creamery and me on a weekly or daily basis and that is Chief Erin, Maikol, and Gary. I am very grateful to have them in my life and for the difference that they have made in making my dream come true.

Chief Erin
Erin was my buddy in Landmark’s Introduction Leader Program. During that program, we were both checking in and supporting each other as we were working on our goals for the program. Once it was over, we continued our weekly meetings at Caribou Coffee. There were some days while I was working on the business plan that I started to lose the ability to prioritize and it was driving me nuts. Erin helped me start using a calendar and we made to do lists together. I was the scattered creative and Erin was the one who brought me back to earth. When the cast of the indiegogo video showed up 2 hours late, Erin was the one who salvaged and directed the day. If the indiegogo campaign were to bring in $100,000 Erin was to be hired on as my opening assistant. I call her Chief Erin because, at WeatherVane Creamery, everyone gets to make up their own title. I think we agreed on Chief of Operations or something. I just called her Chief Erin. She knew me like no one else and we had great adventures together as well as times that we cried together. And those are the friends to keep.

Maikol
Maikol was in my Landmark Forum in 2003 in Chicago. We’ve been friends ever since. One day last year I called Maikol from a coffee shop and exclaimed “I need a money breakthrough!” He said “Great! Have I got the thing for you.” He told me about the free Millionaire Mind Intensive training that he was taking. I went online and signed up on the spot. That seminar gave Maikol and I a lot to think about and at one point I asked him to be my partner in making WeatherVane Creamery come to fruition. He agreed and we started having weekly phone meetings. We had role playing conversations with potential investors and came up with different ideas for a membership club. His early support really paved the way for what was to come. He also is a wonderful friend and a tremendous support. Thank you, Maikol!

Gary
Last spring during my trip to the west coast, my friend Gary mentioned that he would like to find a way to support me with WeatherVane Creamery and to support him with his goals which include a pilot’s certification and the novel he was working on. Once I got back we tried a few different things and finally ended up on a daily email. Almost every day since, Gary and I email each other in the morning with our daily goals and a report on how we did with yesterday’s goals. Then, once a week, we have a call to review the previous week and to set up the next week and to talk about what is working or not working. We are kind of like each other’s personal coach. I also call Gary on occasion to get on the spot coaching. These emails and calls have made such a difference for me and WeatherVane Creamery.

I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to have people like these three in my life. I am so honored and blessed and grateful. Thank you, friends.

Posted in Business, Personal | Tagged Erin Pierce, Gary Moor, Introduction Leaders Program, Landmark Education, Maikol Akintonde, WeatherVane Creamery | Leave a comment

Day 21- Landmark Education

Posted on December 21, 2012 by admin

Often people wonder where I get my energy and how I keep going. In fact, I often wonder myself. And I have an answer: Landmark Education. Ever since I did my Landmark Forum in 2003, my life- or rather my outlook on life- has never been the same. The Landmark Forum is a three day and an evening course held in many cities throughout the world. I did mine in Chicago as a result of my brother doing his in Austin, TX and my friend Cathy doing hers in Minneapolis. Don’t just take my word on it either- the Landmark Forum is rated number 3 in the top 25 list of adventures to do in your lifetime on top100expo.com

While I can’t tell you exactly how it works, I can tell you about the results. I even have too many to list. Mainly, through the work I’ve done at Landmark Education, I have found the power to create my life and have peace of mind. I am not afraid of what others think of me. Most importantly, I know what I need to do on a minute by minute and daily basis to be fulfilled. In preparing for this blog I was thinking about this one. I realized that even if WeatherVane Creamery never comes to fruition, I will be satisfied with the experience. If I ever close the chapter called WVC, it will be knowing that I did all there was to do and made the impact I was supposed to make for both me and others.

Aside from the personal results that I have had, it doesn’t really compare to the amazing people that root for me from Landmark and vice versa. There is so much compassion and people- sometimes complete strangers- are willing to stick their neck out for you and genuinely care. It is a great community. And while this blog may not have many words, the words that I have written actually tell a BIG story.

So yes, it is and always has been me doing all of those things with the positive energy that I have. Just know that there is something that feeds me and keeps me going beyond what I think my capabilities are and I am grateful for being able to have this experience unfold the way it has. Want a taste of what the Landmark Forum is? Are you ready to take on your life with ease and fulfillment? I know it sounds too good to be true. And we all know that I am still human and am VERY capable of having meltdowns. But check out the video introduction here. Landmark Forum Introduction Video

Posted in Business, Personal | Tagged Landmark Education, personal development, WeatherVane Creamery | Leave a comment