Growing up on a farm in Buffalo Hart, Illinois, taught me more about life, hard work, and success than any classroom ever could. The farm wasn’t just where I lived—it was where I learned the values that have guided me throughout my life. From raising livestock to managing responsibilities at a young age, farm life instilled in me a work ethic and resourcefulness that laid the foundation for every success I’ve achieved.
In this blog, I’ll share my personal story and the lessons I’ve learned growing up in rural America, and how those lessons continue to shape my life today.
Early Mornings and Endless Chores
As a child, my days often began before the sun came up. Farm life doesn’t wait for convenience. There were always chores to do—feeding the chickens, tending to the hogs and cattle, or helping my dad repair equipment. These tasks taught me the value of responsibility. Even as a kid, I understood that the animals depended on us, and there was no room for excuses.
By the time I was seven, I had my own horse to care for. It wasn’t just a source of pride but also a responsibility that taught me patience, commitment, and the importance of follow-through. Looking back, those early mornings weren’t just about tending to the farm—they were about building character.
The Value of Hard Work
Farming is hard work, plain and simple. There’s no such thing as a “day off” when you live on a farm. Crops need planting, animals need feeding, and the weather doesn’t always cooperate. This unpredictability taught me resilience and adaptability.
When I wasn’t helping on the farm, I worked at my dad’s full-service gas station in Mount Pulaski. After school and on weekends, I’d pump gas, check oil levels, and interact with customers. It was there that I learned the importance of building relationships and providing excellent service—lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career.
Problem-Solving Under Pressure
Life on a farm isn’t just physically demanding—it also requires quick thinking and problem-solving. Whether it was fixing a broken piece of equipment or figuring out how to protect the crops during a sudden storm, farming taught me how to assess situations and find solutions.
These lessons translated seamlessly into my professional life. Whether managing estate sales, running a business, or navigating challenges in the collectibles and coin trade, the ability to think on my feet has been invaluable.
Appreciation for the Simple Things
Growing up in rural America also taught me to appreciate the simple joys in life. Watching a sunrise over the fields, the satisfaction of a hard day’s work, and the bond of family dinners after long days in the barn were all reminders of what truly matters.
In today’s fast-paced world, I often think back to those quiet moments on the farm. They’ve helped me stay grounded and focused on the things that bring genuine fulfillment.
Lessons in Entrepreneurship
My dad was a true entrepreneur. In addition to running the farm, he operated a full-service gas station and had his hand in other ventures. Watching him juggle these responsibilities showed me the importance of perseverance and innovation.
When I was 18, I sold a coin collection I had accumulated through the gas station and other sources, capitalizing on the surge in silver prices. That $100,000 sale was my first taste of business success, and it sparked a lifelong passion for buying and selling antiques, collectibles, and coins. The entrepreneurial mindset I inherited from my dad has been a driving force in my career ever since.
The Importance of Community
Living in a small rural community taught me the value of helping others. Neighbors looked out for one another, whether it was lending a hand during harvest or coming together in times of need. This sense of community left a lasting impression on me and inspired my passion for estate sales, where I help families navigate significant transitions in their lives.
Being part of a close-knit community also taught me the importance of reputation. On the farm and in business, your word is your bond. People remember how you treat them, and trust is the foundation of any successful relationship.
How Farm Life Shapes Success
The lessons I learned growing up on a farm continue to shape my life and success today. Hard work, resilience, problem-solving, and a commitment to community are qualities that transcend any profession or circumstance. Whether I’m managing an estate sale, working on landscaping projects, or spending time with my family, the values instilled in me on the farm remain at the core of everything I do.
A Legacy of Lessons
As I look back on my life, I’m grateful for the upbringing I had in rural America. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always meaningful. The lessons I learned on the farm are lessons I’ve passed down to my own children and grandchildren. I hope they carry the same sense of responsibility, resilience, and appreciation for life that I gained from those formative years.
To anyone lucky enough to grow up in a farming community, I encourage you to hold onto the values it instills. And for those who didn’t, know that the lessons of hard work, perseverance, and gratitude are universal. Whether on a farm or in a big city, they’re the keys to building a fulfilling and successful life.
Final Thoughts
Farm life shaped who I am today, and for that, I’m eternally grateful. The experiences I had as a child—caring for animals, working alongside my dad, and learning to solve problems—taught me the principles that guide me to this day.
No matter where life takes you, the values of hard work, community, and resilience are timeless. They’re the seeds of success, and if nurtured, they’ll grow into something truly remarkable. For me, it all started on that little farm in Buffalo Hart, Illinois—a place where life’s greatest lessons were learned one chore at a time.