Twinsight 19 of 50: Get Energized by Doing Something You Love

Last week, I suggested four qualities that can converge in your 50s—energy, interdependence, wisdom, and humility. Now this week and the following three, you’re in for a treat. You’re going to hear from four friends of mine who are leaders age 50+ and exhibit one of these qualities particularly well. Today I’d like to introduce you to my first cousin and dear friend, Nancy TenHulzen. Along with her husband, David, she leads and runs Park View Alpacas in West Linn, Oregon just outside of Portland. They started the business in 1993 with 5 alpacas, which are essentially small llamas. Today they have 250 alpacas, raising them for breeding the future generation of herds and the wonderful fiber that produces cashmere-like material. I’m amazed at the high amount of energy required to run and grow a business that has never really been done before anywhere. How does she do it? Here are some of her insights.

What does a typical day look like?
Our home is on 6 acres and we are able to raise about 45 alpacas on our home ranch. The other animals are at our main ranch which is 15 minutes away. Our females have about 70 cria (babies) a year. I have a very talented, hard working, and caring staff who do most of the hands-on work. We shear about 200 alpacas in 5 days every May, and send their fleeces to a variety of processing mills including the Pendleton Blanket Project. I now mainly work on marketing our ranch and the Prestige Auction as well as planning our next trips to show our animals.

What do you do at the shows?

About 5 times a year, we show 30 animals in halter shows around the country. We have been fortunate to have been named Suri Breeders of the Year, had 2 different Herdsires named Herdsire of the Year, and won many Best of Show and Supreme Trophies along with a couple hundred Color Championships. Our goal has always been to create high-quality, healthy alpacas by purchasing and breeding the best alpacas available.

How do you keep up the energy to run a business?
Sometimes I feel like I'm running out of energy! But then I wake up and there are always things to do to keep everything running. I always try to eat healthy and in moderation. One advantage for me is that I've never really liked sweets. I also try to exercise 45 - 60 minutes a day (cardio, weights, core body work), get a decent amount of sleep, keep my stress under control, and make sure my vital health numbers are in check. And, because the alpacas are very calm, gentle and curious, it is a joy for me to look out at them and be around them.

What tips do you have for other business owners?

This business really started as a little hobby, and I had no business degree, no business background, and no ranch experience. It all really comes down to:

• Common sense. A lot of our decisions are simply common sense like working hard, investing in high-quality products, making decisions for the long-term vs. the short-term, hiring high-quality people and treating them well, setting a realistic budget and sticking to it, making a list of goals and reviewing and revising them regularly, and following the Golden Rule.
• Marketing sense. We have a strong network with other alpacas breeders and stay in regular touch with them through our website and emails. We also market by attending shows and events, and holding our own auction. I'm always thinking about why customers should want to come to us because it's really their choice, and we want to be an organization they're excited to choose.  
• Doing something you love and the money will follow. It’s not all glamourous, believe me. But I really do enjoy the business and  all the wonderful people we have met. It’s been really fun to see it grow and evolve, and to keep a good attitude and continually grow and learn with it

Thanks to Nancy for her insights! Next week: insights on how interdependence strengthens your leadership.

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