![]() ![]() My amazing employees are a critical motivator as well. On several occasions however, it was them, in their wise and kind way, that reminded me that I could push on. As a single mother of two children, I want to show my children that they can achieve all their goals and dreams with hard work and determination. What motivates you when things are tough?ĭ’Angelo: The desire to succeed and to do well by those who have put their trust in me. Like all startups, you’ve experienced your share of challenges. I had no idea the Lions Club organization owes its origin to an opera singer. Ellen was a strong, charitable woman who used her talents to build her life and help others and this is the type of role model that I want to be. Ellen was from a poor family and sang in concerts to raise money for singing lessons.Īs her fame grew, she became philanthropic and started an organization to help young boys which later become the Lions Club. She was dubbed “Lark Ellen” because her voice at its highest pitch resembled a Lark. The street was named after Ellen Beach Yaw, an opera singer from the late 1800’s, who had an extraordinary vocal range. Greathouse: Where did the name Lark Ellen Farm come from?ĭ’Angelo: I live on a small, half acre farm, the “Lark Ellen Farm,” named after our street, Lark Ellen Avenue. As soon as I saw the potential I set my sights on building a national, trusted brand of clean, healthy and grain-free products. I started at the Farmer’s Market and the business just organically grew from there. ![]() ![]() Health concerns led me to new food choices and new recipes. I was looking for what was next when I literally stumbled onto this business. Greathouse: Why did you decide to start Lark Ellen Farm? What were your initial plans?ĭ’Angelo: I had just finished three years of working with my father and helping him get to retirement. In the end, my beginning experience, though unpleasant, taught me that I am capable and that I could do it on my own. I began to read and network and learn and have now educated myself on the industry. I almost lost the business but decided to bring my equipment back to my home town and do it myself. He ended up being a con artist and walked away with a fair amount of money. I trusted his knowledge and experience and didn’t do my due diligence. I was naive and didn’t understand the business. In the first 6 months of operation I contracted with a food manufacturer. But, I decided early on that I would push forward as long as the company was growing organically. I often think that if I had known how capital intensive and competitive this industry is I may not have started it. From day one I have always assumed that I could find a way. I never considered that I couldn’t make it work. How has this helped and hindered you?ĭ’Angelo: Ignorance is bliss and that definitely was the case with me when I started this business. Greathouse: You didn’t have (food) industry experience. Poorly run meetings are my personal pet peeve and I attended way too many of them. ![]() Probably the most impactful thing (that) working in a corporation taught me is that I despised bureaucracy and that I wanted to work on my own. I learned how to organize my responsibilities and about financial models, and how to work against deadlines. I found my own management and hiring styles and learned how to effectively deal with personnel performance issues. Working for Pacific Bell, AT&T, SBC Telecom was a phenomenal training ground. Kelley D’Angelo: Thanks John, I appreciate the opportunity. What elements from your corporate world have you been able to leverage at Lark Ellen? As I recall, you initially came from a big corporate background, but (you) moved to Ojai, CA to help your dad consolidate some of his business interests. ![]()
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