Exploring Life & Business with Beki Ryan of Kent’s Feed Barn, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Beki Ryan.

Hi Beki, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2002 my father, Kent was offered to house a Kent brand dealership for existing customers of the community. The line had been located in the fertilizer plant that was in town and had been sold. The manager offered the dealership to local farmers that may be interested in helping the people of the community that had been using the feed. My Dad decided to do that as helping people was his reason for living! I would help him with projects as needed, but my primary job at the time was raising his grandbabies. When the girls went to school, I needed to get back to work. Dad and I decided that I would come and work for him. I worked alongside him from 2014-2020 when he passed away unexpectedly. I’m fortunate for all the years of working with him – including hours and hours of listening to him talk to people and make connections. We had a 25% growth the year of his passing and we haven’t slowed down much since then. We are now a women owned, small family business with plans for further growth.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has most definitely not been a smooth road. When Dad died, our staff was cut in half. I had a couple of part time helpers, but Dad and I were the only full timer employees at the time. I was in the midst of extreme grief and this was in the height of COVID closures. We adapted as quickly as we could while fearing being shut down next. We figured out how to deliver feed and get paid online with no contact to keep us and our customers as safe as possible. We kept going .

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We provide feed to commercial, show, and companion animals. We also create a space for local artisans to sell their creations. We offer an experience that keeps people coming back. We have fresh feed and knowledge to help customers get feed plans and make educated selections. The Kent’s Feed Barn team will treat you like family and partner with you to raise your animals right. We offer very convenient pickup after hours and it feels like a step back in time to come visit us here.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The EntreLeadership podcast has been a huge part of the growth. I have also taken part in several classes on marketing and leadership as they come along. I attend seminars at the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) that focus on running the business as far as HR and accounting. Kalmbach Feeds is our primary dealership now and they have outstanding resources to help us with product knowledge.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kentsfeedbarn.com
• Instagram: kentsfeedbarnllc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kentsfeedbarnllc/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KentsFeedBarn