Celebrating Success & Learning from Local Entrepreneurs!
On Thursday, October 8th, Wayne County CEO students wrapped up their $1 to $100 Challenge alongside the Mt. Carmel CEO Program! To celebrate the successful conclusion of this venture, students enjoyed a visit to Cider Barn Christmas Tree Farm in Fairfield, Illinois.
Owner/operator Mindy Brokaw welcomed students with delicious breakfast treats and shared the story behind building her unique business. She spoke candidly about the challenges of pursuing a new idea, securing funding, and learning to adapt along the way.
When Mindy decided to add winter ice skating to the farm's offerings, she spent months developing a business plan, only to face rejection and discouraging advice about what would be most profitable. Rather than giving up, she revised her plan and eventually secured funding from a source she later reflected she should have approached in the first place!
Mindy also shared how Cider Barn's beautiful setting has become a sought-after destination for weddings and special occasions. Although hosting weddings wasn't part of her original vision, it has grown into an important revenue stream that helps keep the business thriving.
Students wrapped up the morning by visiting the animals and participating in a scavenger hunt!
Thank you, Mindy, for your hospitality and for sharing such an honest and inspiring look at entrepreneurship. Your story reminds our students that success often requires perseverance, flexibility, and the willingness to rethink a plan when things don't go as expected!
And by the way... bragging rights for the $1 to $100 challenge go to the Wayne County CEO program. Overall students learned the importance of taking nothing and turning it into something... as a team! Special thanks to #brushedbyvanessa for the banner!
