February 5, 2018 was a day that was “history making” in the then 147 years (now 148) of Bishop’s Orchards being in business. While it wasn’t a day that was record setting in sales, or a new business venture for our evolving farm and market, it was a day when the 6th Generation females in the business were promoted to Executive Leaderships roles in the company. The key word in that sentence is “females.” For the last 5 generations, all Executive roles were held by Bishop Men. While there have been other Bishop women that have played important roles in the business, never has the company been run by them.
The 5th Generation Co-CEO’s of Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market and Winery transitioned their leadership and daily operations to the two of us, sisters, of the 6th generation of family members. Sarah Bishop DellaVentura and Carrie Bishop Healy were promoted to be the company’s Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer respectively. Both of us grew up in the family business, working alongside our parents, Keith & Debbie in numerous roles starting during our teenage years (at least that’s when we first received a legal paycheck).
Growing up in the family business may have looked differently to us than it did to the previous generations. We were always around and seeing different aspects as our parents and grandparents all worked in the business, but we weren’t necessarily doing the “hard labor” on the farm that Keith (our father) and Jonathan (our second cousin – once removed) did growing up. Being part of 4 siblings we all had our different strengths and interests, and we never felt pressured to join the business.
We both chose our own paths after high school and we ultimately ended back in the business. Coming from different backgrounds in degree choices in college and previous work experience (which is required before joining the business full time) allows us to have different areas of focus in the business. It strengthens the company and ourselves to be able to come from different sides, but at the end of the day we balance each other to do what is best.
We have watched this business evolve over the years in the hands of previous generations and we take pride in continuing what they have built. We have committed ourselves to the business, as well as our staff and the community. As a family business, six generations in, we want to continue to carry on the business and stewardship for future generations to come with the same high reputation and regard and expanding on the areas that complement the business.
We look forward to communicating with all of you in the months to come about new initiatives and exciting projects we are working on, our community relations, as well as interesting stories that we think you might enjoy reading about. We love hearing from our customers too; We encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas with us!
We thought we would leave you with a couple clues to some upcoming news we will be sharing with you in the coming weeks… Clue one has to do with plastic bags, and Clue two has to do with a sweet treat! Stay tuned!
Thank you for your Patronage!
Sarah Bishop DellaVentura and Carrie Bishop Healy