Family Farmers
Family business close-up: Otow Orchard extends its family farm in Granite Bay to the community
The Granite Bay farm was established in 1911 by a Japanese
immigrant and is still run by his descendants, including his
104-year-old daughter.
Pellet Pitchers
Family business close-up: Knotty Wood Barbecue Company invents a new use for old almond trees
Tens of thousands of acres of almond orchards are pulled up each
year in California. Knotty Wood is out to put those trees to
better use.
Care Givers
Family business close-up: All-Cal Insurance Agency in Roseville thrives by providing coverage for nonprofits
Nonprofits make up 97 percent of All-Cal’s clientele, which has
been run by the Esparza family in Roseville for more than 30
years.
Lineage of Success
Family businesses are the heart and soul of Little Saigon in south Sacramento
The pandemic hurt the small businesses that make up Little Saigon’s microeconomy, but business owners and their customers are hanging on.
Do You Need a Coach?
Most family businesses could benefit from one — but finding the right fit is key
No longer relegated to sidelines and dugouts, professional coaches are available to help people conquer a wide variety of goals and tasks.
Minding the Family Business
Why family-run companies can be better poised to navigate hard economic times
While large companies often have shareholders and untold numbers of employees to satisfy, family businesses can maneuver more deftly and swiftly, powering through as best they can.
Taste Makers
Yolanda Vega is the driving force behind the family’s expanding food brand
At 11 years old, Yolanda Vega started selling buñuelos and other local foods at street festivals around Michoacán. When she relocated to Sacramento in 1996, she did the same thing, driving around town and growing her clientele.
Brand Builders
Cousins Katherine Bardis-Miry and Rachel Bardis continue the family legacy of building homes with their own approach
A latex unicorn mask hangs on the back wall near the window of Katherine Bardis-Miry and Rachel Bardis’ shared office.
“We’re kind of weird,” Katherine laughs.
Bittersweet Succession
Woodland’s Z Specialty Food seeks to double the footprint of its honey warehouse and create a community gathering spot
The company recently broke ground on a new Woodland facility that will double its warehouse size and serve as a community hub at the intersections of gourmet food, farm to fork and pollinator support.
Dream Weavers
The husband-and-wife team of Ryan and Kat Huston has Huston Textile Company humming along
During summer months, 6-year-old Hazel keeps busy playing in the office of Huston Textile Company. It’s fitting that she should feel at home here — she is, after all, the inspiration for her parents’ textile milling business.