Business Management

An American Farmer’s Journey: Building a Legacy While Fighting to Stay Afloat

Jace Young
  |  
4 min read
11 min read

Mike Vandborg didn’t know what he was getting into when he started building his operation. As a husband, father, and farmer, he’s spent the last eight years doing everything he can to keep his head above water not just for his business, but for his family’s future.

A Dream Fueled by Ambition

Mike’s story began with a dream and the drive to make it happen. He built his spray business from scratch, pouring his time and energy into its growth year after year.

But as the business expanded, so did the challenges. The cracks began to show in one critical area: cash flow.

“It’s our biggest issue,” Mike said, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

The growth that once inspired him was now overwhelming.

“Growth can be dangerous,” he admitted. “And I think it’s catching up with us.”

A Farmer’s Daily Struggle

Running multiple operations—his farm and the spray business—left Mike juggling more than any one person should. Outdated systems only added to the chaos, making it nearly impossible to get a clear picture of where his businesses really stood.

“We need to separate everything,” he explained. “So we can actually see how healthy the business is.”

But Mike’s struggles weren’t confined to his work. The weight of it all spilled into his personal life. Weekends became frantic marathons to fix last-minute problems. And no matter how much he did, the nagging fear of something slipping through the cracks lingered.

All Mike wanted was what so many of us long for: a life where work didn’t consume every moment, and family time didn’t feel like an afterthought.

“I’ve spent eight years trying to catch up,” he confessed.

An Extremely Common Struggle

Mike’s story is far from unique. Thousands of farmers face the same hurdles:

  • Outdated processes
  • Team accountability gaps
  • Constant follow-ups that never seem to end

But for Mike, it wasn’t just about the day-to-day grind.

At the heart of his efforts was a desire for stability and clarity. He wanted to build something that would stand the test of time—a business his kids could someday inherit with pride.

A Vision for the Future

Mike dreamed of a business with solid systems in place, one where leadership meetings were productive and his team could be trusted to handle the details. He wanted the peace of mind that comes with knowing things were done the right way.

“I just want to know we’re doing it the right way,” he said.

The Bigger Picture

Mike’s story is a powerful reminder of the challenges farmers face and the resilience it takes to keep going. It’s also a call to action. People like Mike deserve more than just getting by—they deserve the tools, systems, and support to thrive.

If Mike’s journey resonates with you, remember: you’re not alone. Change is possible. And you don’t have to face these battles by yourself.

Your legacy is worth fighting for—and with the right help, you can make it everything you’ve dreamed of.

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