On this episode of North State Rocks, we sit down with Jessica Vigil, a North State native who grew up on Dixie Valley Ranch and now works for Elwood Ranch, to discuss the devastating impact of wolves on northeastern California ranchers. Jessica shares firsthand accounts of livestock predation, the emotional and financial toll on ranching families, and the stark policy differences between California and neighboring states like Oregon and Washington. Jessica reveals the challenges federal trappers face in confirming kills, the wolves' increasing habituation to human presence, and why these packs pose a different threat than California's original wolf population. Learn more at northstaterocks.com. 

On this episode of the North State Rocks podcast, we sit down with Angela Reed, Executive Director, and Brett Lindsey, Housing Coordinator of Lassen Family Services, the region’s leading nonprofit supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and other traumas across rural Northern California. The conversation dives into the organization’s 45-year history: from its grassroots beginnings in 1977 to its current role as a comprehensive crisis response and community resource hub.

Angela and Brett share how Lassen Family Services provides 24/7 crisis intervention, safe housing, legal advocacy, and wraparound support that helps survivors rebuild their lives. The discussion highlights the unique challenges of serving rural communities, the importance of trauma-informed care, and the organization’s leadership in local coalitions such as the NorCal Continuum of Care and Youth Action Board.

Listeners will hear inspiring stories of resilience, learn about the power of community collaboration, and discover how local businesses are stepping up to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month through creative fundraising campaigns.

This episode offers valuable insights into how Lassen Family Services empowers survivors, fosters hope, and strengthens the social fabric of the North State…proving that even in the most rural corners of California, compassion and collaboration can change lives.

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In this North State Rocks episode, host Perry Thompson, President/CEO of Hat Creek Construction, connected with Paul Reuter, President of Pace Engineering, to explore impactful leadership and community resilience. Paul shared how Pace navigated economic challenges since 2008, thriving as a 100% employee-owned firm through a “teamwork-oriented culture” and shared success. Listeners will gain insight into the profound value of work-life balance and family, a philosophy Paul champions. The discussion also covered the bold decision to build a new office during the pandemic, reflecting faith over fear. Paul, a North State native, beautifully highlighted the region's diverse offerings and the deep connection people have to their home. 

In this episode of North State Rocks, listeners will discover how Bruce Dean and his partner transformed a $40,000 investment into Black Bear Diner's 166-location restaurant empire spanning 14 states. Dean shares the unvarnished truth about entrepreneurship, including the company's near-collapse in 1998 when rapid expansion nearly led to bankruptcy, his hard-learned lessons about cutting losses despite sunk costs, and why 75% of restaurants fail within five years. The conversation explores Dean's contrarian investment strategy during the 2008 recession, his philosophy of promoting managers from within rather than hiring externally, and how private equity partnership enabled explosive growth from 75 to 166 locations. Dean reveals why investing in employee culture and training drives customer satisfaction, how North State values translate nationally, and provides candid insights into cash flow management, franchise operations, and the brutal realities of scaling a restaurant business in today's economy.

In this episode of North State Rocks, listeners will discover how Elizabeth Ammon has built one of California's premier Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs at Lassen High School, achieving record participation with 60 students at the recent fair and over $430,000 in auction proceeds. Liz shares her journey from a Sacramento-area teenager who didn't know what "ag" meant to becoming California's 2021-22 Agriculture Educator of the Year, discussing how COVID unexpectedly sparked increased student participation and the program's remarkable competitive success, including five state championships and a national title. The conversation explores how FFA develops exceptional future employees through comprehensive leadership opportunities, supports all students regardless of background, and emphasizes community service while giving back to the North State region.

On this episode of North State Rocks, Dawn Egan shares her remarkable journey from owning a successful computer store in Fallon, Nevada, to becoming the leader of Lassen High School's technology and business education program over the last three decades. She discusses how a chance encounter led to writing the school's first major technology grant, transforming it from having virtually no computers to a state-of-the-art facility. Egan details her award-winning FBLA program that has become one of California's largest, preparing students through hands-on experiences like business plan competitions and interview workshops. The conversation covers her daughters' success stories, the importance of two-year college pathways, and how she's incorporating artificial intelligence tools into modern education while maintaining focus on practical skills that prepare students for real-world success. 

In this episode of North State Rocks, discover BJ Hubbard's journey to becoming a flight instructor at Susanville Aviation. BJ shares how his childhood fascination with aviation at age 14 led to a mid-career pivot, selling his home to finance his flight training before returning to serve northeastern California as an instructor. The conversation explores the unique advantages of learning to fly in Susanville (including cost savings and immediate runway access), what makes the North State region one of America's most beautiful flying environments, and the practical aspects of obtaining a pilot's license. The episode reflects on what makes the North State community exceptional—accessible outdoor recreation without crowds, genuine connections with neighbors, and advice for young people interested in aviation.

On this episode of the North State Rocks podcast, local rancher and public servant Richard Egan shares his family's agricultural roots, details of his diverse 30-year career in county government (from Development Specialist to County Executive Officer), and insights into modern cattle operations across Northern California. The conversation explores how Richard's practical ranching background informed his pragmatic approach to government, rural life's unique challenges and rewards, the complex business of managing cattle across multiple counties, and his perspective on succession planning for family businesses.

This episode of North State Rocks features Michael Kirack, founder of Kirack Construction, discussing his 30-year journey from being California's youngest licensed contractor to building a successful diversified construction business in Susanville. Through economic ups and downs, Kirack shares insights about business sustainability, family involvement, community engagement, and the unique advantages of building a life and business in the North State.

This episode of North State Rocks features Travis Corder, a fourth-generation farmer (Corder Farms) who manages over 7,000 acres across Shasta and Lassen counties – and Perry’s best friend since high school. From succession planning to water rights, and from vertical integration to community values, this episode explores the unique challenges and rewards of running a multi-generational family business in California's agricultural sector.