It’s fascinating to observe the profound similarities between seemingly disparate ventures, particularly the ownership of a generational farm and a successful car dealership. While their daily operations couldn’t be more different, the underlying drive, commitment, and desire for stewardship are remarkably aligned. Both represent not just a business, but a legacy – an entity that often spans generations and becomes deeply intertwined with one’s identity.

There’s a unique magnetism to both. Owning a farm, with its rhythms dictated by nature and the land, instills a sense of deep-rooted purpose. I experienced this firsthand during weekends spent on a friend’s family farm. There, you learn that farming isn’t merely a profession; it’s a way of life that truly gets into your blood, especially when it’s been the bedrock of a family for decades. The tireless effort, the communion with the earth, the triumphs, and the heartbreaks all contribute to an unbreakable bond.

Similarly, a car dealership, when well-established, transcends mere commerce. It becomes a pillar of the community, a source of local employment, and often a multi-generational family enterprise. The desire to maintain and grow such a venture is just as fierce as that of a farmer tending to their land. It’s about reputation, relationship, and the continuous  effort but once you have a car dealership, it’s like a gold mine.

I once contemplated the prospect of starting a farm entirely from the ground up. However, the sheer scale of the undertaking, the monumental effort required to cultivate land and establish a new legacy without existing infrastructure or family support, ultimately made me realize it was an endeavor beyond my solitary capacity. It reinforced my understanding of just how much unwavering dedication these types of ventures demand.

The common thread is profound: once you’ve poured your heart, soul, and resources into either a farm or a car dealership, you are prepared to do almost anything to ensure its longevity and success. They are cherished assets, deeply personal investments that owners strive to nurture and protect for as long as humanly possible, often with the hope of passing them on to the next generation. It’s this intrinsic connection, this sense of enduring responsibility, that binds them together in their unique desirability.

Richard Thomas Simmons