We were lucky to catch up with Jody Hatch recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jody , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

Serving an Underserved Community through AlpacaBIZSOS

At AlpacaBIZSOS, we support a deeply underserved community—small-scale alpaca farmers and rural entrepreneurs—many of whom stepped into this lifestyle for its promise of freedom, connection to the land, and family-centered living. These individuals are often isolated in their efforts, lacking access to clear business guidance, financial structure, and peer support that traditional industries take for granted.

One of our clients, owner with a small herd, shared how overwhelmed she felt trying to figure out how to make her farm profitable. She had the passion, but not the plan. Like many alpaca owners, she had no roadmap—just scattered advice, expensive missteps, and a barn full of fleece with no idea how to turn it into income.

This matters because the alpaca industry is full of people who aren’t just hobbyists—they’re visionaries with deep emotional and financial investments in their animals and their land. Yet they’re often overlooked by mainstream business resources.

Our brand steps in as a lifeline. AlpacaBIZSOS offers structured financial planning, business coaching, and operational clarity—delivered in a way that’s approachable, actionable, and grounded in real alpaca farm experience. We empower alpaca owners to define what thriving looks like for them and then build a business that fits their life, not the other way around.

Jody , 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?

I’m Jody Hatch—former public school teacher turned alpaca farm owner, business strategist, and founder of AlpacaBIZSOS. My journey began over two decades ago when I left teaching to raise my boys and start a life on the land. With a small farm and a few alpacas, I stepped into an industry rich in heart but lacking in practical business support. I quickly realized that turning passion into profit required more than just love for the animals—it demanded strategy, structure, and financial clarity.

Since then, I’ve built not only my own farm business but a career dedicated to helping others do the same. Through AlpacaBIZSOS, I’ve had the privilege of working with alpaca farms of all sizes across the country—from some of the largest, most well-known operations in the industry to small, family-run farms just getting started. This wide-ranging experience has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that alpaca business owners face at every stage.

What I offer is more than just business consulting—I bring a rare blend of real-world alpaca farming experience and 20+ years of entrepreneurial insight. My services include strategic planning, herd optimization, financial forecasting, operational systems, retreat and agritourism planning, and personalized support tailored specifically to the alpaca industry.

What sets AlpacaBIZSOS apart is the way I meet each client exactly where they are. Whether someone is managing a large-scale breeding program or trying to make their small herd sustainable, I help them create a business that reflects their vision of success. We don’t push a one-size-fits-all growth model. Instead, we focus on clarity, simplicity, and structure—building from the inside out so the business fits the life they want to lead.

I’m most proud of the trust I’ve earned in this industry and the lasting impact I’ve had on the lives of alpaca owners. My clients often describe my work as a lifeline—supportive, strategic, and grounded in lived experience.

If you’re an alpaca owner—or dreaming of becoming one—I want you to know there is a way to thrive, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re running a nationally recognized farm or just beginning to build your herd, I’m here to help you design a business that works—for your land, your animals, and your life.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A Story of Pivoting with Purpose

One of the biggest pivots in my life happened when I walked away from a stable career in public education to raise my boys and build a life that offered more flexibility, more family time, and more alignment with the values I held close. We bought a small farm, and I stepped into the world of alpacas—drawn by the animals, the land, and the hope that I could blend motherhood and meaningful work.

At first, it felt like freedom. But as the years went on, I realized something: loving alpacas wasn’t enough to build a sustainable business. I had to learn everything—herd management, breeding decisions, fiber markets, bookkeeping, customer service, branding—while navigating the solitude that often comes with rural entrepreneurship.

That’s when the second pivot happened. I realized I wasn’t the only one trying to figure this out. I began helping others—first informally, then professionally—sharing what I’d learned through years of trial and error. Over time, that support grew into AlpacaBIZSOS, a consulting business dedicated to helping alpaca owners across the country bring structure, strategy, and clarity to their work.

That pivot—from being an alpaca owner to becoming a business strategist for other alpaca entrepreneurs—wasn’t about abandoning what I’d built; it was about expanding it. I took everything I had learned (and everything I wished someone had told me) and turned it into a lifeline for others.

Today, I’ve worked with farms of all sizes, from first-time owners to the largest, most established names in the industry. Each time I help someone find their footing or redefine what success means for them, I’m reminded that pivoting isn’t failure—it’s evolution. And in my world, that evolution often starts in the barn, with a good cup of coffee, a clear plan, and the belief that thriving looks different for everyone.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Resources That Shaped My Leadership Philosophy

Over the years, I’ve committed to deep personal and professional development to become a leader who blends structure with empathy, clarity with intuition, and strategy with service. That growth hasn’t come from a single path—it’s been shaped by lived experience, reflective practice, and a handful of powerful resources that shifted how I lead and serve.

One of the most transformative frameworks for me has been the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS®), particularly the book Traction by Gino Wickman. It gave me a practical language and system for aligning people, priorities, and processes—something I now use not only in my own business but also to support clients across the alpaca industry. EOS affirmed my role as an Integrator and strengthened my belief that businesses thrive when there’s both vision and execution working hand in hand.

Another cornerstone for me has been Essentialism by Greg McKeown. It gave me the permission—and the tools—to say no to the noise and yes to what truly matters. In a world that pushes constant growth and hustle, Essentialism reminded me to protect my energy, focus on the vital few, and lead in a way that’s sustainable, not scattered. That approach has influenced how I coach others to simplify their businesses and realign with what success really means for them.

Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead also had a profound impact, especially around the power of vulnerability, brave conversations, and values-based leadership. Her work helped me lean into discomfort, own my story, and hold space for others to do the same. It has made me a better coach, collaborator, and guide—especially during moments of tension or transition.

I also draw insight from Human Design—particularly as a Generator. It’s helped me build a business that works with my energy instead of against it. I now pay close attention to what lights me up and have shifted my decision-making and business models to reflect that alignment.

But at the heart of it all is experience. Years of raising kids, working with farms of all sizes, and walking beside business owners during moments of uncertainty have taught me this: leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating space for clarity, building systems that support people, and knowing when to hold steady and when to pivot.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alpacabizsos.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jody-hatch-a1007597/

Image Credits

All personal pics