When Amanda Janney launched KM Mushrooms in Santa Rosa, she brought with her a deep commitment to growing high-quality food and building community. Like many small-scale farmers, Amanda felt more confident in cultivation than in managing the business side of farming.
That began to change in 2024 when Amanda enrolled in the Resilerator™ course. She heard about the course through her local farming network and decided it was time to strengthen the financial and operational foundation of her business.
Throughout the course, Amanda explored areas she had previously avoided, including bookkeeping, taxes, insurance, and contracts. With the support of instructors and the encouragement of fellow participants, she began to shift her mindset. She hired a bookkeeper, started using Quickbooks, and created a plan to pay off debt and evaluate future equipment investments. Most significantly, she began preparing to purchase land where she can expand KM Mushrooms and build long-term security.
“I feel like I’ve pulled my head out of the sand,” Amanda shared. “The business side scared me, but this class gave me the kick I needed. I feel less overwhelmed and intimidated by these topics.”
As her confidence grew, so did her vision for the future. “For the first time, I feel like I’m not just reacting. I’m planning,” Amanda said. “I’m making decisions based on where I want my farm to be in five or ten years, not just next season.”
She is now preparing to invest in land, launch value-added products, and build a farm that reflects her vision. Amanda’s story is a powerful example of how business education can empower farmers to take control of their futures. Her journey shows that resilience is not just about enduring challenges, but about gaining the tools and confidence to grow a thriving, sustainable business.
