BUSINESS OF FARMING
Farming is hard, and learning the business of farming can be even harder.
From the first ground breaking idea through full farm business planning, on to actual operations and hiring; connect with Stepheni for 1-to-1 mentorship from an successful business owner and organic farmer.
Experience backed by Education
A retired Chief Petty Officer and decorated military Veteran, with over 20 years of hands-on entrepreneurial experience, Stepheni started and ran multiple successful business before breaking ground on Dickinson Farm.
Experience and expertise with local, state and federal regulatory compliance, startup and growth strategies for emerging markets, leadership in transitioning and operational environments, administrative and program development, as well as research and data management has helped make the Farm a success.
Stepheni is a Certified PSA Grower Trainer, the author and lead facilitator for Business of Farming, a semester-long course; and works with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to help aspiring food and farm entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses.
Stepheni has a Certificate of Sustainable Agriculture from CalPoly Pomona, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a focus on entrepreneurship, from Pepperdine University, and is currently working towards her Masters of Professional Studies in Food Business from The Culinary Institute of America.
To be sustainable you must be economically viable
Dickinson Farm, an heirloom fruit, vegetable and herb farm, is the first and only licensed farm in National City since the early 1900s.
Now rebranded to W.D. Dickinson, in 4 years the farm has grown in size and offerings.
From 300 sq ft personal garden to 1/2 acre, 40 share, certified organic farm. We have 3 employees, seasonal interns, an on-farm store, small batch pantry and home good product lines, brand partnerships, offer home delivery, rent private event space and host public dinners and events.
Connect
Got a burning question or unsure how we can help? Schedule a speed session.
$FREE
Strategize
Schedule a 30 minute session to strategize one problem or answer 2-3 general questions. $40
Lifeline
Need someone to answer questions on the fly? Purchase a session pack & save.
$300
Focus
Prefer to work through one topic at a time? Purchase our multi-session workbooks.
$350
Nothing within your budget? Ask us about alternatives.