Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to April Patterson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
April, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear your thoughts about family businesses.
resilience. Having been immersed in several family businesses throughout my life, I’ve witnessed firsthand their profound impact and significance. As my own family embarks on a new venture, the topic of involving our children naturally arises.
Reflecting on the experiences shared, one poignant story stands out. My husband recounted his time as a veterinarian, where he encountered a remarkable approach adopted by a renowned ranch out west. Each child within the family was encouraged to contribute something unique to the ranch, aligning with their individual passions and interests. Some delved into cattle work, others pursued hunting leases, while another found fulfillment in raising and marketing horses. This approach instilled in them a sense of ownership, responsibility, and independence within the family business.
Inspired by this story, we’re committed to fostering a similar ethos within our own family business. We believe in empowering our children to cultivate their talents, pursue their passions, and contribute meaningfully to the enterprise. As the Bible shares in Ephesians 4:16, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” This biblical principle underscores the importance of recognizing and leveraging each person’s unique strengths and gifts within the family unit.
By encouraging them to bring something new to the table, we not only nurture their entrepreneurial spirit but also impart invaluable lessons in diligence, resilience, and self-reliance. Moreover, this approach cultivates a culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation, as each family member brings their unique perspective and expertise to the fore. It fosters a sense of collective ownership and accountability, laying the foundation for a thriving and sustainable family legacy.
Ultimately, we view our family business not just as a source of livelihood but as a platform for personal and professional growth. By empowering our children to chart their own path within the business, we equip them with the skills, confidence, and determination to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It’s a testament to the enduring power and potential of family businesses to shape and enrich generations to come.
April, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Absolutely, I’d be delighted to share more about our journey and what we offer. My name is April Smith Patterson, and I come from a lineage deeply rooted in entrepreneurship and community building. My parents, Doug and Janie Smith, are the visionaries behind several successful ventures in our region, including Honest Abe Log Homes, Barky Beaver Mulch, and various real estate endeavors. Growing up in rural Tennessee, farming has always been a fundamental part of my identity.
My journey into the business world began by partnering with my father on a farm in Bowling Green. Through the grace of God, I crossed paths with my remarkable husband, Nick Patterson, who has been instrumental in leading and shaping our family’s farming endeavors. What truly ignites my passion in business is people—their stories, their joys, and the connections we forge. Hosting events has always been a highlight for me, whether it was during my tenure operating the marina on Dale Hollow Lake or now, with our agritourism venture on our family farm.
Our flagship event, A Southern Marketplace, epitomizes our commitment to fostering community, supporting small businesses, and giving back. Over two days, multiple times a year, we welcome over 90 talented artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their crafts and wares. It’s a vibrant celebration of creativity and craftsmanship, where attendees can discover unique treasures while supporting local makers. What sets us apart is not just the marketplace itself, but our dedication to philanthropy—we donate a portion of all proceeds to worthy causes in our community.
Building on this foundation, we’re expanding into agritourism experiences that invite families to immerse themselves in the beauty and bounty of our farm. From pumpkin patches to hayrides, we’re creating memorable moments that resonate with visitors of all ages. Our goal is to extend the warmth and hospitality of our family farm to all who visit, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
What I’m most proud of is our ability to create spaces where people can come together, celebrate their passions, and make lasting memories. Whether it’s through our events, our products, or our experiences, we strive to infuse every interaction with joy, authenticity, and generosity. Our hope is that everyone who encounters our brand feels welcomed, valued, and inspired to be part of our journey.
In essence, we’re not just in the business of farming or hosting events—we’re in the business of building relationships, fostering community, and spreading joy. And that’s what I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about us—that at the heart of everything we do is a deep commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Conversations about M&A are often focused on multibillion dollar transactions – but M&A can be an important part of a small or medium business owner’s journey. We’d love to hear about your experience with selling businesses.
Absolutely, I’d be happy to share my experience with selling a business and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. One particular business venture that holds a special place in my heart is our marina on Dale Hollow Lake.
When my father purchased the marina at an auction, it was a blank canvas awaiting transformation. We poured our hearts and souls into rebuilding it from the ground up, as there was very little salvageable infrastructure. Over time, we nurtured it into a thriving hub of activity—a marina, store, and restaurant that drew visitors from far and wide.
We invested not only money but also love and countless hours into making it a welcoming destination. We hosted a plethora of events, from spectacular firework shows for the 4th of July to unique experiences like “Jaws on the water,” which gained viral attention. Each endeavor was an opportunity to connect with our community and forge lasting relationships with incredible people.
However, as life inevitably changes, so did our circumstances. When the time came to transition and sell the marina, it was a bittersweet moment. Letting go of something we had poured so much of ourselves into was undoubtedly difficult. Yet, it was also a pivotal learning experience that has profoundly shaped my approach to business.
One of the most significant lessons I gleaned from the process was the importance of adaptability and foresight. While the decision to sell was emotionally challenging, it ultimately allowed me to realign my priorities and invest in ventures that aligned more closely with my evolving personal and professional aspirations.
Moreover, selling the marina taught me the value of resilience and resourcefulness in navigating transitions. It reinforced the importance of maintaining a strong network of support and seeking guidance from mentors and advisors when faced with significant decisions.
Today, as I reflect on that chapter of my entrepreneurial journey, I’m grateful for the insights and skills it has afforded me. While parting ways with the marina was a poignant moment, it opened doors to new opportunities and paved the way for me to channel my passion and entrepreneurial spirit into ventures closer to home.
In essence, selling a business is not just about letting go of a venture—it’s about embracing change, seizing new possibilities, and honoring the lessons learned along the way. As entrepreneurs, we must be willing to adapt, evolve, and pursue endeavors that resonate with our values and aspirations.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Absolutely, I’d love to share the heartwarming story of how I met my cofounder and business partner, who also happens to be my husband. It’s a tale that truly embodies the saying, “When you least expect it, love finds a way.”
The story begins with a furry friend named Roscoe, our beloved Bassett hound. When Roscoe injured his toe, I sought out the best care for him and found myself at our local veterinary office. Little did I know, this visit would change the course of my life in the most unexpected and beautiful way.
As I stepped into the vet office that day, I was greeted by Nick, who would soon become not only my Prince Charming but also my steadfast companion in both life and business. There was an immediate connection, a sense of familiarity that defied explanation. It felt as though we were destined to meet, as if our paths had been intricately woven together long before that moment.
Growing up in a tight-knit rural community where everyone seems to be connected in some way, finding a life partner can be a daunting task. But in Nick, I found not just a partner, but a soulmate whose presence filled my life with joy, love, and purpose.
Nick hails from Alabama, and it was through the divine guidance of the Lord that our paths crossed. Despite the geographical distance and the twists and turns of fate, our love story unfolded with a grace and serendipity that can only be attributed to a higher power.
To make a long story short, after a few lost prescriptions and countless cherished moments together, we exchanged vows and embarked on the journey of marriage. Our partnership, both in life and in business, has been a testament to the guiding hand of God and the power of love to overcome all obstacles.
In hindsight, I’m eternally grateful for the divine intervention that brought us together. Nick isn’t just my cofounder and business partner—he’s my rock, my confidant, and my greatest supporter. Our love story is a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary blessings come when we least expect them, and for that, I am endlessly thankful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asouthernmarketplace.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/asouthernmarketplace
- Facebook: Facebook.com/asouthernmarketplace
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRZzZA6mQG8375fyhx50BFg
- Other: acresofgracefarms.com
Image Credits
Ashley Watson Photography & Meggie Briggs Ellis Photography