The Steven Rockwood Show Featuring Jared Hamilton

In this episode of The Steven Rockwood Show, host Steven Rockwood welcomes Jared Hamilton, a multifaceted entrepreneur and farmer. They delve into Jared's journey through family farming, business operations, and the unique challenges he has faced along the way.

Key Points:

Background and Early Life

• Jared Hamilton grew up on a fifth-generation family sod farm in Quebec, Canada. His upbringing was steeped in agricultural tradition, and he expressed an early desire to join the family business at just 13 years old.
• He pursued a specialized education in horticulture and turf management at the University of Guelph, graduating with a diploma that set the foundation for his career.

Business Ventures

• Jared currently operates multiple businesses, including:
  • Mountain View Turf, a sod farm specializing in various turf types for residential and commercial clients.
  • Gemma Property Services, which provides outdoor property maintenance for government sites.
  • Jolly Egg Farm, an egg production business that started with 6,700 chickens and has since expanded to 13,000.
  • A burgeoning Christmas tree farm, which is still in its early stages but aims to produce over 10,000 trees in the coming years.

Marketing and Operations

• Jared discusses the marketing strategies for his sod farm, focusing on personalized customer service and an online sales platform that simplifies the purchasing process for residential customers.
• He emphasizes the importance of understanding different client bases—residential, commercial, and government—and tailoring marketing efforts accordingly.

Family Involvement

• Jared's children are gradually introduced to the family business through various roles, fostering a strong work ethic without pressure to join full-time. He believes in providing them with experiences that will prepare them for any path they choose.

Personal Development and Work-Life Balance

• The conversation shifts to Jared's personal philosophy regarding work-life balance. He acknowledges the challenges of running multiple businesses while being present for his family.
• He highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating small moments of joy in life and work, which helps maintain motivation amidst the pressures of entrepreneurship.

Final Thoughts

• Jared reflects on the necessity of adapting to change within family businesses and the importance of keeping an open mind toward personal growth and development.
• He encourages listeners to appreciate their unique journeys and recognize that each person's path may differ significantly.

Conclusion

This episode offers valuable insights into the life of an entrepreneur who balances multiple business ventures while maintaining a focus on family values and personal growth. Jared Hamilton's journey serves as an inspiring example for anyone interested in agriculture, entrepreneurship, or family business dynamics.