Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

In 1973, Wayne’s parents, Bill and Sandy Bishop planted the first pumpkins and invited local schools to come visit the farm. Soon after that Sandy and her friends started baking pies in her kitchen to sell to guests when they came to visit.

Since then the Bishop’s built a full scale bakery where they still bake scratch made pumpkin pie from pumpkins grown on the farm along with other delicious treats. Over the years they added fun farm rides and attractions and they have become the largest U-Pick pumpkin field in the world welcoming 275,000 guests each year.

Wayne now runs the farm with his wife and two sons and he talks about growing up with his house always smelling of fresh pie, the benefits and struggles of working with his parents and now his sons and how doing a SWOT analysis for the business (strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats) drastically improved how they operate.

Visit Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm website

Visit the Capital Region Family Business Center here

Visit River City Bank HERE

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dave Boyce, Nate Boyce, and Ben Brown as we touch upon the importance of generational transitions, and share a few laughs along the way. Our discussion begins with a recounting of Dave and his younger brother Craig's imaginative adventures, setting a light-hearted tone for our chat.

Discover the fascinating story behind the formation of Sacramento's largest regional accounting firm, BFBA. It all started with a casual dinner at Black Angus Restaurant in Citrus Heights, where Dave, Craig, Rob Fink, and Miles Brown discussed their dissatisfaction with their current career paths and envisioned a new business together. We reflect on the familial and entrepreneurial influences that shaped their journey, particularly Dave's father's dream of self-employment. As we move forward, we discuss the firm's emphasis on people and relationships, the importance of work-life balance, and their unique mission statement that prioritizes high-quality client relationships over mere revenue generation.

We then explore the challenges and triumphs of leadership transitions within BFBA, focusing on Ben's journey to becoming the managing partner. Ben shares his initial feelings of unpreparedness and his efforts to develop softer skills with the guidance of his father, Miles. We also highlight the importance of self-awareness, effective communication, and exemplifying core values within the firm. The conversation wraps up with a look at navigating family dynamics in a business setting, the rare achievement of a second-generation CPA firm, and the ongoing efforts to maintain a dynamic, family-focused culture that supports personal and professional growth.

To learn more about BFBA and learn why they're the leading accounting firm in the region, visit https://bfba.com/
To lear more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit https://capfamilybus.org/

Episode Highlights
(04:37 - 05:43) Brothers' Dinner Sparks Accounting Firm
(08:38 - 10:18) Entrepreneurial Dreams and Failed Business
(17:49 - 18:42) Work-Life Balance Policy Impact
(27:54 - 30:34) Career Shift to Family Business
(37:43 - 38:49) Decision to Stay Independent
(45:44 - 46:56) Navigating Conflict in Family Businesses
(53:10 - 55:20) Navigating Role Dynamics in the Workplace
(58:26 - 01:00:23) Prioritizing Families in the Workplace
(01:06:25 - 01:07:53) Benefits of Family Business Center

Chapter Summaries
(00:01) Podcast Interview Preparation and Banter
Childhood memories, generational family transitions, and the importance of personal stories in professional settings.

(04:37) Formation of Regional Accounting Firm
Four men discuss forming a business due to dissatisfaction with their accounting firms, influenced by familial and entrepreneurial dreams.

(12:57) Building a Relationship-Focused Firm
Formation and evolution of accounting firm, prioritizing relationships, work-life balance, and initial mission statement creation.

(23:14) Generational Transition in Accounting Firm
Two individuals share their career journeys from big accounting firms to joining their family's firm, valuing work-life balance.

(34:42) National Firm Acquisition Decision-Making
BFBA considered acquisition by larger firm, but chose to remain independent with Ben as managing partner.

(39:09) Succession Planning and Soft Skills
Ben's transition to managing partner involved self-improvement, learning from his father, and exemplifying values and behaviors.

(43:13) Navigating Family Dynamics in the Firm
Consistency, fairness, and humility in a f

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

Join your host, Natalie Mariani-Kling, for an inspiring journey as she recounts the remarkable transformation of Dave Leatherby Sr. and his wife Sally, who transitioned from a small farming town in Iowa to a life of profound faith and generosity on the West Coast. She'll explore how Dave Sr.'s career with Safeway, and his mentorship under Bert Bride, led to a life-altering experience through the reading of Catholic saints' lives and his eventual baptism into Catholicism. This newfound faith not only redefined their personal lives but also reshaped their family dynamics and charitable endeavors. As the eldest of ten children, Dave Leatherby Jr. shares his unique perspective on how his parents' commitment to their faith influenced their family and community, despite facing challenges and anti-Catholic sentiment in their Midwest roots.

In the conversation, Natalie delves into the establishment of Leatherby's Family Creamery, a family business built on the solid foundation of faith and values. Dave Sr.'s unwavering commitment to his Catholic faith permeated every aspect of their lives, from never missing daily Mass to integrating these values into their business. Listen in as they explore how this faith-driven optimism and joy laid the groundwork for a successful and joyful family enterprise, creating a legacy that continues to inspire and connect people through shared experiences and service.

The journey wasn't without its trials, however. You'll hear stories of overcoming financial struggles, skepticism from banks, and the pivotal moments of support from unexpected places, such as the generous loan from Mr. Ratterman and the transformative feature by the Sacramento Bee. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the importance of community, perseverance, and divine providence in building and sustaining Leatherby's Family Creamery is clear. This episode is a testament to the power of faith, family, and the enduring impact of generosity and kindness in both personal and business life.

To learn more about Leatherby's Family Creamery visit: https://leatherbys.net/
To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit:https://capfamilybus.org/
To learn more about our sponsor, River City Bank, visit: https://rivercitybank.com/

Episode Highlights
(01:56 - 03:19) Life-Changing Encounter With Catholic Faith
(12:13 - 13:18) Impact of Positive Spirit and Joy
(15:57 - 17:12) From Salesman to Ice Cream Entrepreneur
(20:14 - 21:05) Legacy of Longstanding Ice Cream Parlor
(22:58 - 24:40) Ice Cream Parlor Business Development
(33:05 - 34:20) Leatherby Family Creamy Business Success
(41:36 - 42:52) Family's Contribution to Business Franchise
(47:27 - 48:55) Family Business Struggles and Resilience
(51:51 - 53:05) Importance of Family Business Communication
(01:04:44 - 01:05:50) Act of Kindness in Community

Chapter Summaries
(00:00) Family Embraces Faith and Generosity
Dave Sr. and Sally's transformative journey to Catholicism reshapes their family dynamics and charitable endeavors.

(09:28) Family Business Built on Faith
My father's unwavering Catholic faith shaped our family and business, inspiring a legacy of joy, service, and connection.

(18:21) Creating a Family Ice Cream Legacy
Successful retail business journey from microwaves to ice cream, with mentorship from Foremost Dairy.

(25:05) Family Ice Cream Business Overcomes Adversity
Family support, faith, and unexpected kindness helped us overcome financial struggles and open a successful ice cream parlor.

(35:04) Family Business Franchising Lessons Learned