Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Charles Ball, CFO of Ball Family Farms, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ball Family Farms (BFF) is a family-operated cannabis cultivation company based in Los Angeles, specializing in high-quality craft flowers. We have been recognized as a leader in social equity, a program providing a legal pathway for black market operators to work within the newly legal cannabis industry. It was all done with hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit to create generational opportunities. Our customers are more experienced cannabis users looking for a high-quality, consistent product at a reasonable price.
Tell us about yourself
I decided to join the crazy world of cannabis because I wanted to create generational wealth and opportunities. I was not born into an affluent family. Growing up, I understood that living the "American Dream" was possible even if my path differed from my counterparts. I knew knowledge would be vital in changing my financial circumstances, so I needed two things, a functional degree and job experience that was transferable. I was blessed enough to obtain a full baseball scholarship to attend college. But that did not deter me from working at night to get the corporate knowledge I'd need in my future endeavors and the money necessary to survive in California.
As my baseball career ended, I heard of a company in its infancy stages with excellent growth opportunities. Although some saw the company as an unstable business, I saw it as an opportunity to gain experience in the worst circumstances possible, which would be invaluable. It was the most significant turning point of my career because although I had spent years learning the standard business practices, it was the first time I could utilize what I had learned in previous positions and see direct results from my decisions. This is where my theoretical knowledge turned into practical experience, which gave me the confidence to take a leap of faith and eventually create a business for myself.
As I gained experience in corporate America, my brother, Chris Ball, was busy obtaining his "street stripes" in the traditional cannabis market. He always had extended offers to join him in making the "big bucks," but something told me that it wasn't the best path to follow. Chris became so successful that he was "promoted," earning his way into the Federal Penal System. At that time, I didn't have any assets that would qualify for Chris' bond, so I did the only thing I could think of - ask my girlfriend and best friend to beg their parents to put their properties up. Although they did not know Chris personally, they trusted me, so without question, they said yes.
Shortly after Chris was released, he resumed his attempts to get me to join the "family business." This time, he had a more viable offer. It was still in the cannabis space; however, it was in the legal framework of Prop 215 (before California passed recreational use). I was reluctant to see the big picture that he was painting. Although I was highly interested in the opportunity and what it could become, my hesitancy was in whether or not California would pass the necessary laws. I had triplets on the way, and although it wasn't guaranteed, I knew that taking this leap of faith could potentially pay off for my children. So, after long hours of staring in the mirror, a little bit of persuading from our mom, and puppy dog eyes from Chris, I decided to join him on the path to becoming Ball Family Farms. We had a good thing Chris understood the cannabis market, and I understood the business world. BFF was born!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is becoming a business owner. In our community, this is not typically possible. Not because there aren't enough intelligent people, but because there aren't real opportunities or resources to do so.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things in creating BFF was building it from the ground up without any resources. Because we did not have the option of traditional banking, we consciously decided to stay away from private financing options. Building the brand and business proved extremely challenging. Working with family also presents its own challenges, but I wouldn't change it for the world! (Positive thoughts are key!)
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Chase passion, not money. Find something you are passionate about. You will be more likely to put in the effort to overcome the challenges it takes to create a successful business.
- Want to know EVERYTHING and NEVER stop learning. Although you may not love everything about the business, take the time to understand the fundamentals of even the things you hate. It will go a long way in navigating the ups and downs of business and give you the ability to make the right decisions to overcome obstacles. Also, remember you don't know everything. Always be willing to learn, even if it's not your lesson to learn.
- TAKE THE LEAP. If given the opportunity, take the chance. You will miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Connect with us on IG to hear the latest news and strain drops! @ballfamilyfarms
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ballfamilyfarms.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ballfamilyfarmsla
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballfamilyfarms/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ball-family-farms/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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