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From
the "Soul Proprietor"- September, 1999
"12 years in
building... 5 years in business... each year I almost make it at a
higher level. My biggest success has been getting here...
If it weren't for money — I'd be a rich man!"
…inspiring meditation — updated March of 1999
The discovery of
a plentiful and pure water resource hidden just below the surface
of a marginal and sandy farm field gave vision to fish farming as
a way of life... "Permission" came as a result of an environmental
assessment request made to the state regulatory agency. With projections
for future growth, it is understood — The farm is a positive use of
water and land resources!
My "spoon"
is wooden...the vision is awesome - yet tenacity, gumption, wit and
with a "Stone Soup" practice of financing and community participation
the farm, set in character and style, has become what it is today...
It's hard to realize - seeing is believing...
The farm's facilities
and systems are in place and proven...they have been continually improved
and expanded upon...preparing the way for continued growth (with the
removal of a little "bailing wire").
The farm is proficient
in the production, processing and marketing of Rainbow Trout. It has
tapped its' market at the rate of 15-20,000 lbs. per year - most within
its' own community of the " Chippewa Valley" and earning a reputation
of inventiveness and maintaining the highest regard for quality and
services....again positioning itself for growth.
Diversified markets
have been established...from our fresh cuts and famous smoked spread
and fillets (route, pondside sales, and mail order) to recreation
activities and tour buses to the sales of "EAT MY FISH" paraphernalia
and education to a wide range of folks- including schools, clubs,
agencies, and potential fish farmers...Other markets have been researched
and some are ready.
Money Matters- Larger
sums could have been expended to the same end... frugality has contributed
to the significant achievement of building equity. The learning curve
has been tamed and familiarity has given way to the actuality of numbers
and needs... As a natural progression profitably and return on investments
has moved up on the list of priorities - thus the furthering the farm's
aspirations. . .
Through assessment
and preparation for the next step in this fish farm business an advisory
team has been called upon and is "working" - with scrutiny the door
to a certain technology has been opened, the farm now computes and
being "on line" suddenly has a new meaning... a new business entity
has been established, providing new tools, resources and flexibility...conceding
to an aptitude for, and history in, making the desired happen, a business
plan is in place -better resembling a process, related to serendipity
yet steadfast in practice and vision.
With an "EAT MY FISH"
attitude the farm has not only weathered the "pioneering" and complex
status of Wisconsin fish farming... It has also increased its' understanding
of the challenges in small developing rural business'... It has gained
status as a significant player, state wide, in defining and developing
its' "industry"- a "reserved credibility"! It has become a source
of color and pride in the Chippewa Valley and "at large"...
The
time has come… for "BULLFROG AND COMPANY"!
WHAT IS BULLFROG & COMPANY/Bullfrog
Fish Farm LLC ?
Limited
Liability Company LLC- is a relatively new business entity... It is
best recognized for its' protection from liabilities and its' taxation
similar to that of a "Partnership". Another appealing aspect is the
freedom to contract - to bring in new business tools, to utilize the
attributes of investment type financing and to practice a more flexible
business style and process...
Bullfrog Fish
Farm has stylized this entity by acknowledging and empowering its’
successes and community participation....by making way for a "camaraderie
of challenge" to grow a farm business...by fusing its' "mission and
brand" it has created a higher sense of purpose and union in promotion
and markets...Thus offering a shared opportunity for *AD-Venture-
"values-added" investment!
January 1, 2000 - January
1, 2005
A
five year plan & based on fives
…a process
and notion in time lines, measuring sticks, and flukes.
PRACTICE AND VISION IN-
*Products and Services
"Dedicated
to the genius of
"BULLFROG FRESH" RAINBOW TROUT, Smokin’ GOOD FISH and more…"
"And more"...
is what the next five years will be about- building and growing a
farm business on what is good and works.
Rainbow trout
will remain the farm's specialized and year `round market. With the
expansion of facilities and systems, it will produce and market up
to 35-40,000 pounds per year, better filling its' present markets.
The additional waters from this expansion will give way to a series
of ponds and tanks for holding and rearing where the farm may begin
to practice the growing of other species of fish. More immediately,
the farm will further develop the Bullfrog's "Net" Works — relationships
with other small farmers, trappers and entrepreneurs. For the past
three years the farm has developed a market for live crayfish with
this vision in mind- likewise, the Bullfrog Fish Farm will become
known as a place to come for Wisconsin fish and products- Farmed,
regional or related- seasonal or as available. The ultimate in Wisconsin's
fresh water fish.
Farm visits-
recreation, touring and education make up a social side of business...
With a farmish presence, it is a gathering place. Trips to the farm
have become regular activities for our Chippewa Valley neighbors...
a destination for travelers including scores of foreign folks each
year. Unlike the weather or seasonal changes, peoples' vacations,
holidays, and special occasions are scheduled events. With the addition
of a shelter more folks will be able to plan for such activities without
dwelling on Wisconsin weather worries. With the shelter will come
more people who can plan a gathering which will further enhance the
opportunity for the low-key, simple family experience that folks are
looking for... and the possibility of a family beer and beverage garden
too.
The tongue-in-cheek
of the "EAT MY FISH" slogan and a 5 year history of the "open dialogue"
concerning rural culture, have become inseparable. They have triggered
a magical response in the all too often absurd and homogenizing effects
of our modern times. The farm continues to develop its' mission by
using a rural way to tell a story... promoting, educating and advocating
for small developing rural business' and a way of life... Its' reward
is subsidized by the sales of EAT MY FISH / Preservation of Character
paraphernalia.
Note- The physical
additions at the Bullfrog Fish Farm are projected to be... a well,
aerators, and related equipment… tanks and ponds, building of inventory
from fish to T-shirts, multi-purpose building -value added processing,
offices, storage and social areas... Completed in phases as resources
become available...frugality and farmish funk will reign.
*Economic Vitality-
Being
a lifestyle based farm business, all values play a role in the vitality
of economics... From an "upright way of life" to our relationships
high and low and with expectations of due financial rewards to the
farm crew, workers and other members.
*Environmental Sustainability-
As a
matter of principle, conscientious farm practice, scientific understanding
and consultations, the farm will continue to hold the highest regard
for its' responsible use of water and land resources.
"SOUL PROPRIETOR" RUN -
COMMUNITY OWNED AND SUPPORTED-
Bullfrog
Fish Farm, LLC, is membership controlled. Ownerships are being offered
and referred to as memberships. In the spirit of the Bullfrog, memberships
will be sold up to approximately 45% of the farm's determined value
and the remaining 55% will be held by Herby Radmann. Therefore "Soul
Proprietor" run...
Ownerships
will be sold in $5,000 increments and/or minimums, with exceptions
made to "farm crew" and suppliers of goods and services in trade and
at a significant value.
An Advisory
Counsel will be developed. Positions will be elected by members at
the rate of one position for every $50,000 of additional investments
and is tentatively decided not to exceed 5 positions. Counsel members
will work with the farm's advisory team and meet as needed or at least
once per year to review business records and prepare for the annual
meeting. All members will be considered farm resources and may be
called upon. Members will be invited to an annual meeting to receive
reports, discuss business progress and to offer input... This meeting
will adjourn into a gathering of support and celebration. Therefore
community supported and owned…
What's in it for me/us?
A shared
expectation of- …a sense of AD-venture, purpose and camaraderie with
an honorable return on investments... with an additional chance at
a " longshot". *Proportionate
share in yearly profits and losses
*Proportionate share in equity growth
*A membership agreement/contract
*A golden
bumper sticker (signifying membership)
* Memberships may be sold or transferred like any other asset with
minimum cost
for transfer fees. The farm will receive first option to buy.
*Extenuating circumstances & opportunities may be considered and
negotiated...
If you appreciate
our AD-Venture… interested and wanting to partake-
Call the farm !
Eat My Fish
Herby
Radmann- Soul Proprietor
The Bullfrog Fish Farm LLC
 Honest
as possible…
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