The term entrepreneur covers many business categories. In the Lawrence area, several successful businessmen found success in the agricultural world. Here are four who have found satisfaction in careers requiring time spent digging dirt, planting seeds, and raising animals.
John Pendleton
Pendleton's Country Market
When John Pendleton started working his family's farm more than 40 years ago, he enjoyed growing the more traditional Kansas crops of corn, wheat, milo, and soybeans. He loved running the combine at harvest time, describing it as being like a sporting event. Everyone worked together as fast as they could to get the crops on their way to the grain elevator.
In an effort to diversify their income, Pendleton and his wife, Karen, decided to focus on growing vegetables and flowers. Today, Pendleton's Country Market is known in the Lawrence area for the quality produce sold at their farm store, the Lawrence Farmer's Market, and through Pendleton's CSA program.
"I can't say vegetables are easy to grow," Pendleton says. "They're physically harder, but we have the opportunity to retail our products instead of selling them wholesale. Karen and I love going to the farmers market because we can stand in one place and see our friends. That's part of the fun, being able to know your customers and feel their appreciation for what we are doing."
Pendleton has two key goals beyond selling produce. One is connecting people back to the farm. He points out that when he first started, it wasn't uncommon for farm visitors to get lost in the nostalgia of remembering time spent on their grandparents' farm as children. Now, young people are further removed from farm life. Their grandparents live in a condo, not on the farm.
"You hear about droughts and low prices with cattle. Stuff like that. It makes the nightly news, but you're not as connected to the farm as people used to be," Pendleton says.
He tells the story of four people standing out in the asparagus field one day long after the season was over. He went out to see what was happening and recognized some long-time customers. They introduced their friends from New York, saying, "We wanted to show them our asparagus farm."
"They get it!" he says. "I want them to feel like this is their place. I love that approach."
Pendleton's second goal is to keep farming long enough for his grandchildren to be old enough to experience it. He explains, "I want them to do a little bit of work, learn the work ethic, and understand Mother Nature and how everything works together."
Pendletons.com
Scotty Thellman and Michael Beard
Sunflower Provisions
Two local entrepreneurs, farmer Scotty Thellman and chef Michael Beard, forged a unique partnership in 2014 to create Sunflower Provisions. This culinary oasis is a source of local and sustainably raised produce, proteins, and groceries. It offers clients access to fresh fruits and vegetables and quality meats year-round, along with specialty groceries. Every dollar spent directly supports local farmers, ranchers, distributors, bakers, processors, and artisans.
Beard owns Meat LLC, and Thellman owns both Juniper Hill Farm and Pines Garden Center. Their collaboration brings local foods as well as specialty imports to restaurants and homes in Lawrence, Kansas City, Topeka, Manhattan, Eudora, and Wichita. With an unwavering commitment to sustainability and quality, the partners meticulously source meats, cheeses, specialty food items, and fresh produce. This ensures that each product that graces their shelves is not just delicious but also imbued with flavor, integrity, and a sense of place.
One of Sunflower Provisions’ distinguishing features is its wholesale distribution services. Partnering with restaurants and stores throughout Lawrence and beyond, they provide a steady supply of premium meats and vegetables. This partnership is not just a business transaction but a testament to Sunflower Provisions' role as a trusted ally in the culinary world.
Moreover, Sunflower Provisions' storefront in North Lawrence welcomes food enthusiasts and connoisseurs, inviting them to explore a treasure trove of culinary delights. Whether you're searching for artisanal cheeses, handcrafted charcuterie, butchered meat cuts, local produce, or ready-made meals prepared with care and attention to detail, Sunflower Provisions has something to tantalize every palate.
Beard says, “If you want good food, you cannot cut corners. I often think of the entire line of people who touch the food from the day a calf is born, or a seed is planted to the harvest, transport of the ingredients, to the person preparing the meal. This takes passion at every step.”
As Lawrence continues to evolve and grow, Sunflower Provisions remains steadfast in its mission to celebrate the richness and diversity of the local culinary landscape. With each product they offer and each connection they forge, they pay homage to the spirit of community, craftsmanship, and culinary excellence that defines Lawrence and sets it apart as a destination for food lovers near and far.
Both Beard and Thellman have a vision of the future that includes continued growth and expansion, such as providing access to their commercial kitchen space to other growing food artisans. And now, with the acquisition of Pines Garden Center, the vision is year-round access to wonderful food and educational opportunities that surround the food supply chain, as well as access to beautiful plants and gifts.
“Most importantly, we plan to continue to find ways to bring high-quality food, vegetables, groceries, and plants to the community in creative ways and to find ways to assure affordability for all,” says Thellman.
SunflowerProvisions.com
Maulik Trivedi
Trivedi Winery
Trivedi Winery opened its doors in December 2019, just before the pandemic gripped the world. The winery’s roots can be traced back to a picturesque six-week bicycle tour through Germany's famed wine regions. This transformative journey not only introduced Maulik Trivedi and Jodi Palmer to the rich winemaking culture but also sparked a life-changing career pivot.
Trivedi, originally a biotechnology R&D professional, was captivated by the sweet Rieslings of the Mosel region and the fruity Dornfelder reds of Rheinland-Palatinate. This newfound passion and the warm hospitality experienced in the small German towns planted the seed for what would later become Trivedi Winery. Upon returning to Winston-Salem, NC, Maulik transitioned from biotech to the wine industry, arming himself with knowledge through courses in enology and viticulture at Surry Community College.
In 2016, the couple returned to Lawrence, spurred by Jodi’s employment at LMH Health. With the unwavering support of local businesses, friends, and institutions, they purchased a farm in 2018. This farm would soon transform into a vibrant vineyard and winery, a testament to the power of community and the spirit of Lawrence. Today, Trivedi Winery not only cultivates wine but also fosters community ties, making it a pillar in Lawrence's local agriculture scene.
The vineyard boasts 352 Chardonel grapevines, a hybrid of Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc, chosen for their resilience in the continental climate of Kansas. These vines yield grapes that mirror the elegant taste of their Chardonnay parent, adapting beautifully to their new home. Beyond grapes, the farm is also home to an orchard with 50 apple trees and 35 pear trees, featuring varieties specifically selected for crafting hard cider and perry (pear cider), such as Ashmead’s Kernel, Golden Russet, and Thorn.
One of the fun things about the winery is the vision for it to be a place to spend time with friends, family and community. Groups can go to the winery to listen to music, play games, taste local charcuterie, or simply sip wine while enjoying a picnic overlooking the lovely views.
“We want to be known to the community as a welcoming place to enjoy and spend time together,” says Trivedi.
TrivediWine.com
"That's part of the fun: being able to know your customers and feel their appreciation for what we are doing."
John Pendleton
“If you want good food, you cannot cut corners...This takes passion at every step.”
Michael Beard
“Most importantly, we plan to continue to find ways to bring high-quality food, vegetables, groceries, plants to the community..."
Scotty Thellman
“We want to be known to the community as a welcoming place to enjoy and spend time together.”
Maulik Trivedi