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Sweet Pickens Pumpkin Patch didn’t start with a business plan—it started with a three-quarter-mile train, a field full of pumpkins, and a mission to help families smile again. In this episode, we sit down with Sweet Pickens founder Terry Devries to explore his winding path from Nebraska farm kid to Continental Airlines pilot, to corporate aviator for SemiTool, and finally to Kalispell community-builder. Terry shares how aviation shaped his approach to safety, systems, and patience—and how those habits now guide a hands-on farm experience designed for learning, play, and Flathead Valley’s tight 90-day growing season.

We dig into the choices behind the farm’s signature attractions: frost-resistant pumpkin varieties, alfalfa fields that double as parking, and a custom-built train laid one spike at a time. Terry also talks about stewardship, faith, and the family teamwork that keeps Sweet Pickens growing—whether maintaining track, welcoming school groups, or adding new kid-powered features like pedal carts, goats, hoops, and sandbox excavators. If you’re interested in community building, family entrepreneurship, or how to grow a local attraction with purpose and heart, this conversation offers a blueprint rooted in listening, thoughtful planning, and building spaces where parents exhale and kids light up.

• Sweet Pickin's Pumpkin Patch

Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by:

• Glacier Investment Management
• Whitefish Financial Services

Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.