Success Story
Cedarville Farms
By Debbye Omlie
Mike Finger has always wanted to be a farmer even though he grew up on Mercer Island outside of Seattle, Washington. Kim, Mike’s wife, recognized his passion early in their relationship while living in Seattle and has been totally supportive of his dream.
As a result, for 16 years Kim and Mike Finger have owned Cedarville Farms which is one of the oldest community-supported agricultural farms north of Seattle specializing in organic produce. A community-supported agricultural farm is a business model that generates revenue by selling crop subscriptions to customers. Subscribers receive a box full of produce each week. While Finger’s expertise is in the farming; he has learned the business side of farming is a whole other arena.
“Without a doubt I would have started business planning and record keeping earlier. We initially worked with Sherri Daymon because we wanted to make some changes and needed ‘fresh eyes’ to create a whole new vision for the farm. As a result, we were given tools for goal setting and planning and ways to evaluate our decisions from a business perspective so we could increase revenue,” commented Mike Finder. “Sherri made a huge impression on us. Even today when making decisions we ask ourselves, ‘What would Sherri say?’” SBDC Director, Tom Dorr also assisted in counseling sessions.
The SBDC first assisted the Fingers in defining personal and business goals. Next to increase farm revenue, the SBDC participated in financial analysis and budget and marketing plan development. When asked what they would do differently given the chance, the Fingers agreed that they would have contacted the SBDC earlier.
“Sherri and Tom both helped us know what we knew,” stated Kim Finger. “It is a fabulous service, and it is free. I am not sure how that has happened. But I am so thankful. I have often wondered as to whom I should be thanking.”
Finger urges others to seek the advice a variety of people. “Don’t be so proud, seek advice from a variety of folks: other farmers, people in business, business specialists, anyone who understands how businesses can be organized and operated. Even though several SBDC clients recommended it, it took me two years to contact them. If you want to be a farmer, get to know other farmers in your community. We would have been better off if we had run into Tom and Sherri ten years ago,” stated Mike. Mike also advises people to take time away from the business to enjoy family and friends and not let the business consume them. Even though Mike works his farm year round, he makes sure he takes Sundays off and stops working at 6 p.m. each day.