When growing up, I was always told not to brag about yourself. That makes sense. Usually, if someone is bragging about what they are doing, one has to take it with “a grain of salt”. Of course, the exception to that is when it comes to children and grandchildren. In those cases, bragging rights have been earned.
I am going to make another exception that ties in with the children bragging thingy. At AgAir Update, we have made it our mission to serve the ag-aviation industry the very best that we can. Coming from a longtime ag-aviation background, I have tried to parlay my experiences into print and, now, electronic mediums. Ironically, I have learned more about ag-aviation from publishing AgAir Update than I ever learned while flying ag!
Sometimes I take it for granted that everyone who reads AgAir Update knows we are a small, family run business, not unlike most ag-operations. Sandy and I have been working partners, as well as husband and wife, since the early days of AgAir Crop Service nearly four decades ago. Today, she still comes to the office and handles the payroll, statements and other bookkeeping chores. If you have ever called about an invoice, then you probably have spoken with her.
Graham, my son, started with AgAir Update selling classifieds and creating our website while he was still in high school, over 15 years ago. He had to try out the other business world for a while after college before coming back to roost full time with AgAir Update six years ago. My, how time flies. Not only does Graham handle all of our extensive electronic media, but increasingly he is taking on the day-to-day activities at AgAir Update, including writing articles. I know you will enjoy his article and fantastic photography in this month’s edition for the Everidge family cover story. He did his old dad proud with this one while I was goofing off somewhere else.
Earlier this year, Casey, my daughter, came to work with us full-time. She had helped in the business several years off and on while completing a college degree and starting a family. To better serve our readers, Casey is helping refine our subscription and classified databases. She has also been instrumental in the development of AgAir Update’s Marketplace, where readers can buy ag-aviation related items. And, she helps her mom by taking on more bookkeeping and administrative responsibilities, making her a very busy woman.
I am content that my family works alongside me at AgAir Update. It has been interesting to watch this happen. Most families don’t have this, except maybe for those of us in the ag-aviation business. Many AgAir Update readers know about this firsthand as they raise their family to work together in the business. It has its challenges, no doubt. You have to be considerate and not just get mad and fire them like some wayward employee. However, this coin has two sides. It is to their credit they are tolerant with a grumpy old man who thinks the only way to do things are his way; well, maybe not always.
For the most part, the industry has put another spraying season behind it. This is true for us at AgAir Update, as well. Like others who support the industry with products and services, our work schedule changes as the demand to stay in the air lessens. Aircraft will take a well-deserved break, getting in line for annual inspections. The same holds true for pilots and business owners, taking a break, resting the soul. However, the time between seasons has become less and less with each passing year as more applications are being made in the late fall, winter and early spring. Still, the need for rest and repair are needed. Be sure to get it.
Until next month,
keep turning...
