22. Growing Community & Positivity with Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik
Do you feel like there's an aura of negativity in your business or in your BNI chapter? Maybe you need to grow a sense of positivity in your community. In this episode, we meet with Laura Hillopek to talk about growing and fostering community.
Eric:Hello, everyone. Welcome to the Business Boost Hour podcast. My name is Eric Beals, and I am the vice president of BNI Escondido.
Crystal:And my name is Crystal Prevette. I'm the president of BNI Escondido, and welcome to the single CEU podcast. Today, we have Laura Hillebrecht. Thanks for joining us, Laura.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Thank you for inviting me.
Eric:And so Laura, is our, I guess, our our our chapter's farmer. She's our, our, like like, community, our our community grower, I guess. Right? And that actually kinda, like, leads into will lead into our topic of discussion. But before we get into that, Laura, why don't you tell people a little bit about yourself and who you are?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:I'm a fourth generation farmer in Escondido.
Eric:You say fourth generation? Mhmm. Oh, wow. Yes. Wow.
Crystal:It stayed in the family. Yeah. Yeah.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Yeah. Our our family celebrated a hundred years this year. It's so fun. In Escondido.
Eric:Yeah. That's fantastic. Wow.
Crystal:Not many businesses hit a hundred years. That's definitely quite an accomplishment, Laura.
Eric:Yeah. No. It is. And so so what is your what what is your farm stand what what do you do there? What what do you have there?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Well, we grow corn, cantaloupe, watermelons, tomatoes, most of the things that grow seasonally in California. And then things that people want, like, we sometimes, like, grow a specialty crop for somebody specifically. But, generally, what people wanna eat and mostly in the summertime.
Eric:Yeah. Nice. That's that's fantastic. Like, you know, we kinda get used to a lot of, you know, going to Walmart or wherever. Right?
Eric:But, like, there's there the when you have some I've had, like, your strawberries. I've had, like, the, you know, the tangerines and the the kumquats or whatever they are. What? Kumquats. Those things.
Eric:And, like, all of us just absolutely delicious. My
Crystal:kids love. Yeah. They taste everything different. So much better. Yeah.
Eric:Yeah. Mhmm. And so, leading into the topic today, we were we're talking about cultivating your company's culture. And, Laura, you had mentioned that you not only what is it what is it you said?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:We not only grow food, we also also grow
Eric:people. And that ties into your your your business so well as well. So what does that kind of mean what does that mean to you?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Well, without young people growing up into our industry, and it's generational, my mom felt this way too, that you have to get young people started, working and learning how to work. Mhmm. And that's how you build a business.
Eric:Yeah. Just kinda like the good work ethic and whatnot. Yes. And, yeah, you know, it's I've I've kind of gotten a sense on this where it's just like, so many people are either I don't know. They're I guess they're they they take the world we live in kind of for granted, I think.
Eric:And where
Crystal:The convenience factor.
Eric:Yeah. Maybe a combination of, like, convenience. You know, I think social media doesn't really help with this sort of thing. It kinda becomes addicting. You kinda get, and where
Crystal:Lush order attention span.
Eric:Yeah. When when and it's like you want to kinda have these, you know, all all all all of the, pieces put in place for what you want your work life to kinda look like. But then it's like you put this high some pretty nice people put this high super high standard when it's like just work. Just kinda get going on it. And so how do you in your business, I know do you have, like, young people?
Eric:Do you have who what kind of people do you hire in in in your business to kind of help help help, I guess, kind of overcome that and kind of teach them what work ethic is like?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Well, you cannot legally hire a young person younger than 14 because they have to have a work permit. If you don't have a work permit, the company will be fined $5,000 per person. Mhmm. So, they have to be at least 14 before we can legally hire them. We're discovering that it is helpful to wait until maybe they're 16 because transportation in this day and age is a big issue.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:There used to be stay at home moms that had no problem bringing their kids back and forth to work, but that seems to be a little bit more difficult. Mhmm. Although we have had some real young ones that would Uber to work. So that means they really wanna work. They're gonna spend a little money getting there.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:So anyway, we we like, you know, the young ones and we like to have them for over four or five years, you know, until they launch into another career or they go off to school or, move away, you know. Yeah. And then we also hire lots of really older people that are retired from another career, and they wanna keep being productive, and they're great with the young people. Mhmm. So it's a a good combination of generational, workers.
Crystal:So And there's something to be said about having a relationship with your farmer. A lot of people, I think you're talking about Eric, is you can go to the grocery store and you can get some of that food that tastes like really bland. And you're like, oh, there's gotta be something more, but like knowing the person that pulled your fruit and vegetables off the tree or out of the ground and knowing the love and care that's taken into, like, growing something that's going to feed you, I think there's something really incredibly beautiful about that connection because, farm to table, it it's, it's a beautiful thing. If people have never eaten farm to table, it can, like, change the way that you look at food.
Eric:Mhmm. Yep.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Well, then I didn't realize until I was well into my adulthood how, privileged I was to have been raised in a family where we ate three meals a day together, and it was homegrown food. All of it was. There was very little, product that we bought from the store. So anyway, it's lost art, unfortunately, and most people don't know where their food even comes from. Mhmm.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:But the seasons are, that's a big educational, component that we have at the farm stand, trying to educate people what is in season.
Eric:Right. Right. Yeah. We kind of get yeah. There's there's kind of like this expectation where it's like, oh, I want a certain fruit.
Eric:It's like, well, where do you get it? You just go the store has it.
Crystal:Mhmm. You
Eric:know? Of course. Right? But, like, that's not how fruit grows. Grow fruit grows, has has different seasons.
Eric:Right? And so, you know, that that and and, you know, I think I think there's something grounding about kind of really understanding, like, where those things come from. I think I think what you're what you're doing, teaching people that at a young age, it really teaches people, like, where does food come from? And you have, like, a strong they get a strong it sounds like they get a very strong understanding on, what that what that actually means, not just from a intellectual point of view, but from a practical point of view.
Crystal:And Laura's hands on, if you have a one to one with Laura, you might end up in the back of a tractor That's right. Or planting something or checking it out. I think it's so neat to see, like, how old are some of your tractors?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Oh, older than long older than me for sure, and I'm 63. So yes. So But they all operate still. We've maintained them, and they're they're my best friends. I'd way rather operate a tractor than a hoe.
Crystal:Yeah. Exactly. Hoe. But something about the, the rusticness of the original version of the tractor, like hearing it rumble when you turn it on and and seeing you, like, maneuvering some of those equipment through the field. It's like, wow.
Crystal:This is a really a big operation.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Uh-huh. Mhmm.
Crystal:Yeah.
Eric:So in your in your business, how, what kind of difference have you seen in the people that you hire? Like, you know, sound you mentioned earlier that you bring people in, and then, you know, it sounds like a few years later, they go off to college or whatever that that they're gonna do. Have you seen, like, a difference in those people after that they worked from when they first showed up?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Oh, absolutely. During our hundred year celebration, there were lots of people that came back to the farm stand and said this was the first place I ever had a job. We have a federal judge from Alaska. Her first job was at the farm stand. Police officers, doctors, lawyers, everybody you can imagine, they got their start, you know, working with the public at the farm stand, making change.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:We used to add it up on a piece of paper, and they had to know how to make change. So yes. But it's been an evolution, you know, with so much technology that we have kids that don't even know how to fill out a check. Mhmm. Yep.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:So those are things that we do teach them.
Eric:And you teach them those things like yeah. Because you don't really learn learn that stuff. I know. I didn't learn that. I had to kind of, like, you know, I guess, figure that out or maybe ask my parents.
Eric:I don't remember how I kinda figured out how to fill fill out a check, but I do remember, like, the first time I did, I was like, I don't know what I'm doing on this. And it's like because you never you don't learn those things. And it's Mhmm. And so okay. So so you're so you're teaching them, like, a lot of really practical
Crystal:Mhmm.
Eric:Like, real world stuff. And so so do you like, what kind of has anybody ever showed up to you that was I don't know. Maybe had kind of a, like, a, ungrateful attitude, I guess. And then, you know, maybe their parents was like, you need to get a job. Go work at Laura's low at Laura's farm or, you know, that sort of thing.
Eric:They are sending them to the farm or whatever. You know? Like, they have you have you ever had someone like that? I don't know if you have or whatnot. And then, you know, get a grunt worker and and been able to help them and and what in any way.
Eric:I don't know. Maybe not. But Oh, yeah.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Of course. We try and leave them better than we found them. Sure. And, it's it's a process for sure. And part of it has to do with appreciation.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:So everyone only has so many hours in the day. If they're willing to give me their time and help me, I'm gonna be grateful. Mhmm. And I'm gonna show them I'm grateful. And usually, that kinda lights them up a little bit.
Eric:Mhmm. Yeah. You you so they're you're, they're pointing into you, so you're returning the favor and supporting them. Yes.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Because it's their choice to be there. And I tell everyone that we hire, if you do not like this job, do not work one more minute here. Just tell me it's not for you, and we'll let you go. Mhmm. It's just terrible to work with somebody that is not happy.
Eric:Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No.
Eric:That makes sense. And, so what about how do you kinda create that culture in, like because I imagine, you know, you have I don't know how many employees you have, but I imagine you have quite a few, like, either retail people, farmers, maybe a common maybe they all kind of, you know, take shifts on different different roles. Like, how do you kind of create the culture, a positive culture, I guess, around amongst everyone, including, you know, young, old, everyone?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Being there every day, looking them in the eye, ask them how they are. When they ask me, I tell them I'm super fantastic.
Crystal:I love it.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:You know, it's kinda interesting because it's starting to catch on just a little bit. You know, they're not really sure how to grasp that, but I'm like, look at look at all the blessings that we have. How can you not be super fantastic? You know, you have roof over your head. You drove a car here.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:You have people that love you. Mhmm.
Crystal:You
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:have food on your table. And, I don't know. I just I think it can take off. Mhmm. The
Crystal:power of positive attitude. Absolutely. I love it every time you say super fantastic. Because every time you'd ask Laura how you're doing, she'll say super fantastic, and it just kind of creates this ripple effect. Because a lot of times people are like, oh, I'm okay, or I'm doing good.
Crystal:But when someone comes in with a super fantastic, it's like, oh, that puts a smile on your face and kinda makes you wanna also be super fantastic. So I could see how you really practice what you preach, Laura. With with the cultivation of your, the people that work for you, but also the community. I know you do a lot of donations. I know you donate the big Christmas tree to the Escondido, Chamber of Commerce.
Crystal:Mhmm. What would you say about cultivating the community alongside with your business?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm. I think that other business owners are in the same boat right along with us, you know, just trying to make their way, finding finding a niche, that they're happy doing. And I I love people that love what they do because it's not work.
Eric:Sure. Yeah.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:I mean, you have a passion for it, and it's really fun to be in the chamber and see, young people coming up. I just went to rub it and come cutting this morning, a young gal that's doing, nails, fingernails, polish, whatever. And she's using gel so that's not environmentally unfriendly, not stinky or whatever. And the enthusiasm on that young person's face was wonderful. I'm like, you go, girl.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Yeah. I like it. Yeah. Mhmm.
Eric:Yeah. The the you know? So having, having that that recognition on on people, like, what you mentioned, asking, you know, you know, how are you or your own response of, you know, I'm doing super fantastic if you if you're on the receiving end of that. You know, there's, what is it? You know, similar, I guess, energies will kind of replicate similar energies.
Eric:Right? So if you have an energy of positivity, you're gonna create an energy of positivity around you in your in your your environment. So it's like, you know, somebody's in a business and there's a lot of negativity, it's probably because there's somebody, in the environment that's negative a lot.
Crystal:Love energetics. Yeah. Like attracts like. Mhmm. Yeah.
Eric:Yeah. And so that's I think that's that's that's a did you is have you always kind of had that trait? Have you always had that gratefulness trait?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:I'm an early riser. I love morning first thing in the morning, and I get up and I'm just so happy right off the bat. It doesn't take me time to warm up to being happy.
Crystal:And was your mom happy like that?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Oh, yeah. Yes. Yes. Both my parents were early risers. So I'm just naturally that way.
Eric:Mhmm. Yeah. So you had so you you've kind of grown up with this, deep ingrained gratefulness attitude. That's fantastic. That's, like and that's something I've had to learn, honestly.
Eric:Like, not everybody, has that. I know I've had to kind of learn that. I have to, have, learned how to make a conscious effort on, like, okay. What am I grateful for?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm.
Eric:Because, you know, there is you're right. There's a lot that we have to be grateful for, like roofs over our our our head and, you know, family members, what whatever it might be.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm.
Eric:And we kind of take all that for granted sometimes. And so and, you know, I don't know what kinda creates that, like, why exactly we have such an ungrateful culture in our in in society.
Crystal:In a fortunate way. Negativity, you know, the news for every Yeah. One positive story, there's 17 negative stories. Sure. So, some of it is, you know, a little bit of suppression, some faulty programming.
Crystal:But it sounds like Laura had some positive programming, which is probably, like, a minority of positive. I would say less people get the blessing that you had where they grow up in a super fantastic household. So
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Well, my super my my superpower is the fact that television was never the center of our universe. Yeah. We had to go to my grandparents' house to watch Walt Disney on Sunday night. That was a treat because we didn't have a TV. Mhmm.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:And I don't watch TV still to this day, and that's why I think I'm so happy because I don't take on the burden of the world. Yeah. It's just whatever is in my my community here, whatever I can do. Mhmm. That's what I do.
Crystal:Such a great reminder to the audience to unplug and focus on ourselves. Mhmm.
Eric:I mean, that's something I've been doing actually more more more recently. Like, my phone, I like honestly, there's a I hate this thing. I can't stand it. And and at the same time, it's very I I have I find it very difficult to get away from because there's lots of, like, work related things sometimes, so it's kinda like If
Crystal:you're obligated. Yeah.
Eric:You kinda have this weird obligation. But one thing I've been doing, let's see, I guess, for, like, a a few weeks now. So this is actually pretty recent, but it's just been really, really, I've I've noticed a a a shift in my I don't know, just my own mental like, it's it's easier for me to be be grateful, I guess. Mhmm. And that is just simply, like, my phone stays in a completely different room.
Eric:I don't use this as an I used to use this as an alarm. I don't anymore. And that's been, very helpful and, you know, a little odd at first when you're just so ingrained in, like, with your phone or TV or whatever it is.
Crystal:Giving yourself a technology boundary. Yeah. And then and and then
Eric:and then, like, and then make and then making sure listings are completely, like, taking time away from it, like limiting it.
Crystal:Like Laura said, you'll mail a certain certain amount of hours in the day.
Eric:There's a certain, like, freedom to it for sure. And, you know, probably ultimate is, like, completely you know, sounds like you're banning it completely. Like, I don't need to do that. Yeah.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:And that's Because if you, you know, ever go someplace and somebody has the TV on, I think to myself, that commercial was on just 15 times in the last half an hour, and it's all about disease and, oh, ask your doctor if this is right for you. And I'm like, why? Mhmm. If we spent all that time creating recipes and growing a garden, think how healthy our culture would be. Mhmm.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:All the time that's spent in front of the TV was spent teaching your kids how to cook, how to shop. You know? Yeah. And then sat down to a nice meal where you just have a a conversation. How how was your day?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm. Mhmm. Mhmm.
Eric:Well, there's something satisfying as well too with, like, being productive. I've found for me. Like, if I'm not if I have a day where for me, if I'm not productive, there's whatever reason, maybe I had a bad day or something, whatever it might be, I mentally and emotionally, I feel way worse than if I even if but and and and oftentimes, something like TV or or a phone thing or whatever it is is basically this, like, black hole device of nonproductivity. Mind numbing. Mind numbing.
Eric:Exactly. Just drink
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:a bottle of wine. That'll do the same thing.
Eric:%. Yeah. At least you could do that with people, though. You know? That's right.
Eric:And so, like, it and so I I think yeah. You're right. I think the, you know, those the these electronic devices kind of are, like, these emotional gratefulness black holes, basically, that just suck the black hole and it kinda never comes out, essentially, until you get rid of the rid of the black hole.
Crystal:Kind of weird too because it creates the same social pressures that you're trying to get away from. It says, like, social media can put this perception of, like, this perfect image, and then you're chasing after that perfect image. But if you just put the phone down and focus on ourselves, you could actually attain actual happiness instead of, like, maybe kind of chasing after maybe a false sense of Right. Happiness.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm. One simple needs.
Crystal:Mhmm.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:I mean, there are there are a few things that if you have very simple basic needs, your life is so happy. Mhmm. It's not complicated. It's not expensive. It's just pure, really.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm.
Crystal:The kiss. Keep it simple, stupid. Exactly. Yes. Mhmm.
Crystal:Yeah. I mean, especially in today's day and age where in California, it's not cheap. And, like, I'm a single mom, so, like, a single household income isn't easy. So but simplifying things, it makes it a little bit more attainable. Mhmm.
Crystal:Yeah.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:And it takes the stress off of you and makes you a happier person. Yeah. For sure. Mhmm. Yeah.
Crystal:Instead of looking the stuff to make you happy, looking inside Yeah. Cultivating yourself.
Eric:Right. Right.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:There you go.
Eric:So did when you know, you you mentioned before that you kinda just grew up with with with, in a in a in a grateful household. So you so you were very blessed to kinda have, growing up with that. Did did you, like, learn any were there certain routines that you guy that that your family did? Were there certain things that you guys made time for, that kinda led towards this this this positivity? Do you know, what what does that look like?
Eric:And and maybe do you maintain those things to this day?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Yes. So, we were very involved in four h and FFA, which, it goes the program goes from nine till you're 19, and it's a a wealth of knowledge and experience. So we had a responsibility to feed our animals morning and evening before school, after school, and work with them, take them to the fair. That's how I put myself through college. And it was a family activity.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Every weekend, we were all out there together working, and we worked together. That that was, you know, like I said, I grew up working really hard, and so it's not a negative thing to me. It's like breathing. Mhmm. Mhmm.
Crystal:It's
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:just part of life.
Eric:Sure. It's just kinda part of it. That yeah. I I can see that. So it's like you grew up working super hard, so then it's like anything it's just basically it's your normal, essentially.
Eric:Right? It's just your normal. And
Crystal:But her normal is actually kind of a part of the biggest, like, secret to success. Have you guys ever heard of the blue zones?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mm-mm.
Crystal:So there's five zones in all of the world that have extreme health. Like, if you were to take all of the world, these five places have way superior health than everyone else. Two of them are in Greece. One of them is here, in Linda Vista, I think it is, or Yorba Linda. But, essentially, what it the they found was there are a couple things that created this extra strong sense of well-being.
Crystal:One of them was gardening. Mhmm. One of them was multigenerational living. So, like, learning from the older people and then the younger people Mhmm. Having, a little bit of guidance and the older people having more of a sense of purpose.
Crystal:And then what it did was it actually as the people got older, they had, more longevity and a better lifespan at the end of their life where here in America, at the end of our life, we we really struggle and our we deteriorate and we kinda look down upon the people that are older, wherein these cultures, it was actually, like, they were revered and honored and lifted up for, what they contributed to society. So, and then they did drink a little bit of wine. They did show that. But, it's like literally two out of the three things that were part of the recipe to success in the blue zones are something you're literally already doing. And the microbiome from being in the soil and the dirt You gotta be really helpful.
Crystal:Yeah.
Eric:There's a lot of people down here that heard that that heard blue zone, longevity, wine. Yes, please.
Crystal:Tune in.
Eric:See, Crystal said, I can drink lots of wine. I'll live long not much longer. Whatever.
Crystal:Yeah. Do the research. Yeah.
Eric:Okay. So so the blue zones, they why are they called blue zones?
Crystal:Because they were the zones that they identified as the They used to call them blue zones.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Okay. Yeah.
Eric:Okay. And so, yeah, it sounds like a combination of it sounds like a combination of multiple things then with that. So it's like a combination of just, you know, getting your hands dirty and just doing very tangible
Crystal:Mhmm.
Eric:Organic related things Yep. Combined with
Crystal:The multigenerational living, which Yeah. Kind of helps both ends of the spectrum. The younger people like Laura's talking about cultivating, and then the people that at in our society can kind of feel discarded. They I mean, some of these people are out riding bicycles and gardening and doing things in their eighties and nineties that people in our culture are kind of almost taught, like, to unwind or, like, not in not really give yourself that full credit during that last period of your life. Like, why why should we deteriorate or not give ourselves?
Crystal:Like, I could imagine Laura is gonna be super fantastic forever.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:I mean, I really believe that if you believe it, you can achieve it. So I have a man that's I think he's 78 years old. He started in 2013 with me, and he has developed Parkinson's disease. But his doctor said the best thing you can do is keep working. Mhmm.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:And I told him, you can work as long as you want, Rick. You can work every day. You can work four days a week. You can work a few hours a day, and he keeps that place looking so nice, breaking up the leaves and, so funny. He knows everything about everybody, all the kids and what they're doing and, you know, because he's just a he's a great guy.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:He's a wonderful, foster of young people. Mhmm. And he he loves the work. Mhmm.
Eric:Mhmm. Keep him simple. Exactly. I was gonna say, like like, you know, you mentioned with older people, a lot of times, you know, they they kinda start to deteriorate unless they're in that that one of those those blue zones because it it sounds like it, you know, it gives them that sense of purpose with, like, okay, you know, teaching what they know to to, the up and coming generation, I guess. Yeah.
Eric:And and it kinda it really it revitalizes that sense of purpose for them, it sounds like.
Crystal:And it also takes some of the pressure off the younger people because then they don't feel like they're doing it all alone. They have this wisdom from someone who can kind of, like, give them guidance on, like, if if he is listening to their stories, sometimes we don't have a lot of people to listen to us. Sometimes that could be in itself, super beneficial to just be heard and seen.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:A lot of our customer base are people that we know their name.
Crystal:Mhmm.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:They're in their nineties. They're still driving a car. Mhmm. And we're probably the only people they talk to all day.
Crystal:Yeah.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:I mean, because of the grocery store, they're not gonna necessarily know who they are. No. And we worry about them. Have you seen Cal? Oh, yeah.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:I saw him last week. He's okay. You know, because you you build relationships with him over the years, and you care.
Crystal:That's so cool though that you've been in business long enough to have seen these 90 year old people through their whole lifetime, like, through your generations of your business. Mhmm. I'm curious how you feel BNI has helped your business.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:BNI has helped me tremendously, work on working on my business, not in my business. And this is really the first year, and the whole time I've been doing this since my mom died in 02/2004, that I have an opportunity to work on my business because I have two really good managers who are helping relieve me from the day to day. I still do it because I I like it and I miss it. Girl, what are you doing here? I'm like, I can't stop myself.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:But, yes, BNI has really fostered that attitude. And then the people that I've used, their businesses, Doug's fixed. Doug even had his guy come out and fix one of our tractors one time. And, yeah, we've used all all the people in there. I always think, oh, I don't know if I'll be able to use that person's services, but then boom, all of a sudden, one day you need it.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm. Mhmm. So
Crystal:That's a good reminder to work on your business instead of in your business. I don't think anyone's brought that up yet. But, when when you're too far in it, you can't have that perspective.
Eric:Yeah. Well and then it kinda in the nature of what we're talking about too, you know, when you work on your business, you're you're you're basically opening the opportunity to actually grow somebody else's world too. Because the nature of that is you have to be training somebody else to, to be working on on your business, right, in some in some degree. And so that's and so that's you know, you're you're doing something really great helping somebody else out and, you know, could be revitalizing your sense of purpose. Now you're helping this this person out with with getting something something going, something started.
Eric:And and then, you know, you're also you know, it it, you know, over over I don't know about I don't know about you, Laura. I feel like you'll keep working for another five hundred years or so. But a lot of people, you know, they're kind of, you know, it's like, oh, like, this body's maybe just can't do the work anymore. And then this and then, you know, kind of maybe take the you you do maybe less work. That's the thing.
Eric:I think that's the key thing is, like, not losing your sense of purpose.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:That's the thing. Work. It's not less. It's just different.
Eric:Work. Mhmm.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Like, your creativity is, greater because you have more minds, more eyes working on the same project and you're collaborating. You're not just creating it all yourself. Yeah. So I have two other adult people who are, you know, being creative and having ideas, and I'm like, oh, this is awesome. Things I never would have thought of, to really bring bring the business up and grow it.
Crystal:Last last week, we had 11 visitors to our in person b and I, and it kind of reminded me of that where had all these new faces, and there was, like, all this exciting energy. And you could feel just by bringing more people into the group that even the people that were seasoned in the chapter was like, they got a little revitalized. It's like, okay. Bolsa Crystals bought, like, two and three people. Like, let's see what we can do.
Crystal:And I I think it was really great to see that, like, revitalization. And like you said, we were already a great group, and we're working really well within each other. Even Laura said, you know, you can use people that you didn't even think you could use. But by seeing that, like how did you feel with the last meeting in person? Did you notice the difference?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:I love it, but I'm also a proponent of doing in person every single week. I know. I'm not a popular person because of that, and I am an early riser, but I'm telling you that's what's bringing it bringing it on. Yeah. You know, seeing people face to face, there's nothing else like it.
Eric:Yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah. You gotta have at least like, I mean, there's there's there's some I I know exactly where you're coming from. And and for me, Laura, it's like there's this kind of, like, I'm kinda split where it's like, oh, there's some nice things about it being remote, but then like, oh, the in person is, you know, the energy is so much better at the in person, so much better at the in person.
Eric:Oh my gosh. The, it's like, you know, you're you're kind of do you want more energy and overall better positivity or, you know, you want convenience? Right? It seems like the convenience has overall. It's just if you have more convenience, you have less positivity and less One
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:that's it's promoting a laziness.
Eric:Yeah. You're right. Yeah. It does promote a laziness.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Face to face, there's no no getting around it. You're there.
Eric:Right.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Right?
Crystal:Yeah. Some of the younger people with younger kids, it's a little bit harder. Yes. So it's almost it's, yes, a little laziness, but also, like
Eric:If it was Laura, she'd be like, you're coming to BNI with me.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Are you kidding? Let's go.
Crystal:Yeah. 06:45, you can make it before school.
Eric:Hey. It would teach them, you know, about networking, honestly. It's still kind of an educational aspect, you know. I mean, just whether the, I mean, I guess I guess the chapter would have to have, like, a It would be fun now with the Yeah.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:I can all have one thing.
Eric:That's a great idea, having a kids day. I wanna kinda bring it together.
Crystal:Yeah. Mhmm. That would actually be really neat.
Eric:That's a great idea.
Crystal:I like that. I don't think everyone's ever suggested that.
Eric:No. Maybe maybe in our next meeting, we should kind of, like, talk about that.
Crystal:Throw it out there.
Eric:Yeah. Throw it out there. You know, once a what is it? Once or twice a year, we have a, a, you know, discussion with everybody
Crystal:in the
Eric:chapter in our own kind of groups. And so I don't think I've ever heard that one come up before, but, you know, that one kinda really leans into the generational aspect too. Your kids will also learn what it is you actually do because I think so many parents, their kids don't really know what they do. They just kind of know that they leave, and then they come
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:back later
Eric:on in the day, oftentimes. Right? And then that's it.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:You're right. You're right. Yeah. Yeah.
Eric:And they don't really know what that you know, maybe you could show them pictures, but they won't really understand until you really bring them out there, into what you do.
Crystal:Plus, Laura's also is, like, kind of, like, a little bit of a community hub. I know at least once or twice a year, we have an event with BNI at Laura's, farm stand, and all the kids can come out and have food and run around, and you have these little areas for the kids and picnic tables. And I think that it's great you also, like, have space for the community within the farm because, obviously, that land is valuable. You could probably be doing, you know, something with it, but you choose to keep space for the community. Mhmm.
Crystal:Why do you do that?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Because I love Escondido. And, what they would want to do with my farm would be to put apartments in. Mhmm. And, my ultimate goal there is to put in a high end hotel, a place to dance, and, a steakhouse. The there was a place called the Fireside in Escondido when I was a young person, and it was very, very lively with our Escondido culture.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:And it was a place where families went and it was really, really wonderful and that's what we're lacking in Escondido. We would keep the farm stand where it is, but just that would be an addition. We'd still farm, but I don't really have any interest in putting in more apartments.
Eric:Well, I I love that your kind of, like, your centered goal, though, was the purpose of just kinda, like, bringing people together, though. There's It wasn't like, oh, I wanna start this because I can, you know, make x amount of money or whatever. Like, it's it's it's it's the purpose of it was kind of drawing and creating and fostering, like, a community.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Yes. Yeah. Escondido needs a place where people can dance of every generation. You know, do a night where it's ballroom dancing, do a night where it's rock and roll, another night. I mean, it's something that we're missing here, and it's something that music brings people together.
Crystal:It's true. Yeah. And it's also creative expression, like allowing the artist to have a place to express themselves, allowing the community places to come together and create memories. Like, that's part of the the generational value of doing things together is, like, those memories that we're taking on. And so I wonder what memories from BNI are some of your favorites.
Crystal:Do you have any, interesting BNI moments that
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:see here. Well, it's kind of funny to me. Today, we we had a painter in our group years ago Mhmm. Commercial painter. He painted houses and whatnot.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:He showed up at the stand today, and he wanted a tomato for the, Super Bowl for his cheeseburger.
Crystal:And I
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:just said, tomatoes are not really in season right now. We have some, but they're not anything I would brag about or write home about. And the conversation is, well, where would I get a good tomato? I said, we're under the same sky here in Southern California.
Eric:You'll get one later in the year. Right. Well, that's about where.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:It's when. Summer summertime. Right? I said, or go to Mexico. You know, it's a little bit different environment there.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:But that repetition of people that I've met years ago are still around. They're still coming to the stand.
Crystal:So you have, like, a sense of longevity with your client.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:That very much. Yes. Yes. Mhmm. Mhmm.
Eric:Well and that, you know, that longevity is coming because you're again, you you have a you have a very core foundational purpose with which is just, you know, one, just being grateful about amongst what what you have and not what you don't have. You know? And but then also you're contributing that by by fostering a community. Right? You're and and you're you're kind of, like, emitting that, I guess, to the people around you.
Eric:And, you know, I think that's your, you know, your your four you said you're fourth generation farmer. I think that's, you know, that's kind of the reason why. Right? I mean, how many how how many businesses do we know that have been around for that long? Very few.
Eric:Right?
Crystal:And that have cultivated each generation to want to still do what they're doing.
Eric:Right.
Crystal:Because sometimes there's that, like you said, there's certain things that's the new generations won't want to do. Mhmm. Like, I went to, Italy and and they do they have the Island Of Murano where they make the Murano glass. And these, these artisans have to be in rooms that are completely full of heat, and you can't have any water in there because the water won't work with the heat. It can create explosions.
Crystal:So you have to be in these extremely high temperatures, and they said it's probably one generation away from being extinct because the younger generations don't want to be in those environments.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Well, it's really hard on your body too.
Crystal:Yeah. Yeah. So it's interesting to see that you've cultivated an environment where not only are you fourth generation, but you're also focused on bringing these young people because we talked about how old people can have a little bit of a stigma. But, also, young people can because not everyone wants to invest in them like you are willing to. Mhmm.
Crystal:So and there's a little bit of ageism when you're starting out. Sometimes it's hard to get a a good start. So the fact that you have, like, really successful people that have gone on to be judges and, really great, like, assets to the community that says a lot about your ability to cultivate people.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm. Mhmm. Well, and it comes back to you. I mean, givers gain is for sure because everything that we did to work with them, they're so grateful. They you know, if we got into trouble, they'd help us, you know, any way they could.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm. Mhmm.
Eric:Yeah. So how let let's how what would be your suggestion to somebody if someone's kinda trying to create this culture in their in, like, in maybe in their BNI chapter or in their business? Maybe in a BNI chapter, I think that's a kind of a a very fitting thing to kind of maybe focus on. Do you have any suggestions on where someone might, kind of begin fostering that? Probably, maybe if they're a president, you know, and there may be that, you know, that just they the sense in the room is just not quite really there.
Eric:There's just not, but but the the president, you know, the the president the thing with the the the president has a very interesting role because they're the ones that really, they're they're they're they're baselining the the the vibe and the sense of the room and the meeting and everything too and just the the chapter in general. What would be your suggestion to kinda help somebody who maybe doesn't didn't grow up with these things and and isn't a master of of of positivity and and and fostering communities, I guess, what would where would where would might somebody start?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Maybe, we could have, like, a gratitude day. Like, right now, I'm very grateful for Eli because he's helping us get a project through the city of Escondido that's been stuck for over three years. Mhmm. And there are specific things that people in BNI have done for each other, you know, that it would be a really good thing to share, what your gratitude is.
Eric:Shout out to Eli Humphrey, by the way.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:There you go. Yeah. Because, I mean, there he didn't have to do that. He offered Because I said, I'm struggling, and I don't know where else to go. Mhmm.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm. And, he's been very gracious and hopeful. Mhmm.
Crystal:So your, suggestion would be to connect more with the people in the chapter?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:In the chapter and the anybody that comes as a guest is gonna see this Mhmm. Happening. And they're gonna go, oh, I want that. Mhmm. I want some of that.
Eric:Mhmm. We kind we actually we kinda have, like, a it's not like a gratefulness, like, day per se, but it's, I guess, it's, like, kind of a moment, like, during the chapters, referrals and testimonials section. Right? Because that's we know that used to be where we you know, you would say kind of, like, what were your results
Crystal:for the week, basically.
Eric:Right? And it'd be like, oh, I had a one to one or I had a referral or whatever. You say those things. And those things are nice and all, but I think where it's really we've we've since changed it. And I don't know if all chapters have changed it, but I think this is definitely the route.
Eric:The right way to kinda go is making it, like, a testimonial. Mhmm. And, you know, and that you know, there's aspects where that can be actually challenging sometimes where it's like, oh, I gotta, you know, I gotta figure out what what you know, let's see. Who who who is really helpful and you're kinda thinking a bit more on, like, you know and but what it's teaching you is teaching you to kind of, you know, praise other people in the chapter and seeking and finding that praise if it's not coming naturally to you. Right?
Eric:If it's not coming coming quickly or naturally to, like, find something. It is I think it is a muscle. Mhmm. And, I think that I remember when we kinda made that switch, and I think that was a very good switch to kind of, like, help kind of foster that positivity, because I I think it kinda brings that out. But you had mentioned, like, a, like, a gratefulness gratefulness day.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Well, I think that when we say what our we have one referral
Crystal:Mhmm.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:What that referral is and why Mhmm. Or who it's to or Mhmm. How it worked out
Crystal:Yeah.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Or, you know
Crystal:It's really that part's really supposed to be about lifting up the other people in the chapter, not really talking.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Through it. I have one referral, two referrals, whatever, but it's not specific. And I think it would do everyone's heart good to hear that referral was to Cesar. He did a great job on Matt Matt King's yard. Mhmm.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:And
Crystal:it's a good success booster to remind everyone next week. Yeah.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Right. So if
Eric:you give a testimonial, give a testimonial. And if you wanna mention you had a referral, then then what you're saying is to say who that referral was to. Mhmm. And, you know, why like, what they what what kind of I guess if you don't if if it would just happen, maybe you don't know the results yet depending on on the on the nature of the business. But to kind of emphasize that and and to, you know, how how did it work out?
Eric:Like, you know
Crystal:because your commercial is supposed to be about you. That part of the meeting is supposed to be about highlighting the other people. And I think when we do do it right, I mean, a lot of times, I do hear a lot of people praising everyone else in the group. Mhmm. But, when you do do that, it's great to see the ripple effects.
Crystal:Like, this last time, doctor Grant got a lot of comments, and I could see it on his face. He was, like, so happy.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Happy. Yeah.
Crystal:It was really nice to see.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:And make sure we're worth worthwhile. Yeah. Mhmm.
Crystal:Yeah. And to know that you can highlight someone and and really, I I agree with what Eric says for me. I'm like, who should it be this week? I almost always have more than one person that I want to say something nice about. Mhmm.
Crystal:So it's like, why do I pick that person? What made them stand out this week? And if if we can kind of re remind people why we're doing that part. I've been trying, but I think we can
Eric:Well, that that's the thing too, actually, just picking one person. I think that's that is actually really important because when you kind of say, like, oh, this person did great, and they did it. Oh, and then also this person and you kinda, like, do this whole thing. You kinda dilute everybody with that. And so I think it is it does you know, you may want to kind of tell, you know, how everyone's doing, like, a phenomenal job.
Eric:And that's that but I think it's it's more impactful to, like, want that one specific person if you just kinda give that time to that one person and then and then save the next person for next week. Right? And I remember, I think we had a we we we had kind of, like, talked about that at one point. It's like, do we do this or that? And we settled that.
Eric:We think it works better to focus on just that one person Mhmm. Because you kinda give that person all that the attention, and it also everyone in the room is now focused on that one person as well. And they're all only thinking about that person, and they're not split between two or three or four different people.
Crystal:So see why Laura's gratitude day would be good because I there would never be enough days to get caught up to all the people that I'm grateful for.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Right.
Crystal:Because if I can only say one each week Right. There's kind of like a list of people that I'm like, oh, wait. That's why I'm always, like, trying to pick who it is that week because, so maybe there is something we could do a little play on that or something. You know?
Eric:Well, you know, I know what, so what my church does every year so we have my my church has a, like, a a camp retreat thing that we do once a year, and it's we do that at camp line at the bay. Yeah. And one thing that we do at the end, end of it's like a three or four day event. Well, and one thing we do at the end, we do what what we call, verbal high fives. And we literally spend we, like, sit in a big circle.
Eric:So if if there's 40 people there, we we pull out a bunch of chairs in a giant circle, and we it it goes for about an probably an hour and a half or two hours. And it's basically, like, just we don't pick any people. We don't, like, go around the room or or around the circle and, like, okay. Who are you thankful for? We're not, like, we're not putting that kind of pressure on.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm.
Eric:But what we're doing is just if you, you know, just, who did you know, just praise somebody, basically. And that's all that's the sole purpose of it, and it is absolutely fantastic because it really, like, it it really just maybe it might be something as simple that, you know, this person really helped out with making food for, you know, the other day. And and they did such a great job, and it was so helpful because I was really stressed. And you just and and and it just kind of, like, really cultivates the positivity and kinda solidifies that at the end of it. And, you know, maybe there's something in b and I we could do something similar, similar to that.
Eric:You know, maybe that's maybe that's something we do at, like, the farm standards.
Crystal:That's what I was thinking. Yeah. Mhmm. Sounds like it'd be a good one. And then you're getting, like, a genuine authentic gratitude Sure.
Crystal:Instead of maybe, like, a little, like, feeling contrived or, like, pressured to be grateful. It's like, oh, no. I really wanna say this.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm. Yeah. Yeah.
Eric:Yeah. And and it's and more than a than a ten seconds that
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:we kind of a
Eric:lot during BNI meetings. Right?
Crystal:Hey. Well, with 50 people, like, you just you gotta you gotta give
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Gotta get moving.
Crystal:Yeah. It keeps you
Eric:try to keep on that on that time. Yeah. But, yeah. So, so what about in somebody's I guess maybe it's similar similar advice. But in somebody's in somebody's business, they're trying to foster a a a community in their business.
Eric:What do do you suggest that you know, do they should somebody look for, like, specific people? And and because I know you mentioned you don't wanna hire someone who's who's, generally negative, but maybe they are maybe there's just a disconnect amongst their, like, employees or or people that they're working with. Do you have suggestions on how someone could start kind of really fostering that in their business?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Usually, if you ask them I love this. If they have a superpower, they look at you like, what? They go, everyone has some kind of amazing skill. You playing the instrument? Or you like to dance, you know, they always have something.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Are you an artist? And then you foster that. You say, oh, we need that. We could use that in this business because I mean, you look at the farm stand and there's art. There is art there because these people are so talented, but you're not hiring them to be artists.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:It's just
Crystal:a
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:side benefit. And, it makes them feel valuable. So
Eric:you get you're getting them to kinda contribute something a little added.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Something out of the ordinary. Yeah.
Crystal:You're letting them shine in their own way, but also doing what you're they're supposed to do, but being seen allows them to feel like
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm.
Crystal:I mean, a lot of times, we don't feel seen and heard in today's society. So like you said, looking someone in the eye and letting them know that you're genuinely concerned about them, that that alone could be a life changer.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm. And the kids, you know, the young kids that work for us, I said, if I hire you, I like you. You're my family. Do not make me worry. I don't like to worry.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:So if you're gonna be late, call me. There's always a reason to be late, right? But don't make me worry.
Crystal:Sure.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:And they care that matters to them. It's not because I'm gonna get mad at them. It's because I don't wanna worry
Crystal:Yeah. I hear when
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:some things happen to them.
Crystal:You're setting a standard too that it's like, okay. I'm give you a little wiggle room.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Sure.
Crystal:But I just also want that communication. Yes. Mhmm. Yeah. That's a great point.
Crystal:Mhmm. Yeah.
Eric:Well, I I like that you kinda focused on letting them, kinda contribute in whatever way they added thing, like, whether it's art or an instrument or whatever. Like like yeah. And that kinda that that that kinda goes back. I kinda think about, like, oftentimes during, like, Christmas or something like that. It feels a lot better to like, I've gotten emotional sometimes giving somebody else a gift that I know that they're really gonna like.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm.
Eric:But I haven't really gotten super emotional myself when receiving gifts. And I feel like there's there's a bigger impact when you are on you when you are giving that thing. Mhmm. And so when you have them, bring, like, whatever that might be to to to to the business in whatever way that is fitting, I suppose, like, the art and the music and those examples there, they that person is then, they're they're they're giving back. They're giving in some way.
Eric:They're investing. Yeah. They're investing, giving that goes back to kind of like a like a givers gain mentality, and you're they don't even probably know that it's what they're doing. But that is what they're doing. Right?
Eric:And that that that makes total sense that that that is gonna kind of bring bring out that that positivity, kind of, finding what it is that they're they're they're passionate about. Mhmm.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Well, when other people see what they've done and they comment, they're like, wow. That's really beautiful who did that.
Eric:Yeah.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Well, then they're they're like, I did. You know? Yeah. It's it's a really, really great thing.
Crystal:Mhmm. And then when you cultivate your garden, you're making sure you've got the right, like, soil and sunlight and water. And when you're cultivating these people, you're making sure that you have the right environment and positive attitude and that they feel supported.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Mhmm.
Crystal:I can see that there is a a connection between making sure that the plants are growing well and that the people are growing well. That's why I love when you'd said what your topic was today. It was like, oh, that's so on point. Yeah. I love I love what you're doing for the community, Laura, and thank you for a hundred years in Escondido.
Crystal:That is super fantastic.
Eric:So yeah. So speaking on that, Laura, if somebody wanted to, like like, visit your farm stand or get in contact with you, how how might they best best do that?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:They should call my cell phone. You ready? Yeah. (760) 505-1527.
Eric:Alright. And and what about so your farm stand, where where can they find like, where is that located?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:2115 Miller Avenue in Escondido. It's on the East Side Of I 15 at the Exit 29 or on Highway 78 at Summit Drive.
Crystal:And they can go to farmstandwest.com and get that information as well too.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:Yep. Mhmm.
Crystal:Yeah.
Eric:That's fantastic. Well, I think this has been a pretty great conversation about that that, positivity. And, and either of you guys wanna add anything else before we wrap up?
Crystal:Any words of wisdom or any last guidance you should give our audience?
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:I I love what, what our BNI has become. Because when I joined, there were only two other women, and, now it's a huge collaboration of men and women and all walks of life. It was it used to be a little bit more of a good old boys club.
Crystal:Mhmm.
Laura Hillebrecht-Kapusnik:So I'm really proud of what's happened there.
Crystal:Likewise. It's been a really big blessing having our little women's group because, women sell differently and and, exchange business differently. So power teams within our group have been nice. Yeah. A lot
Eric:of You helped cultivate and grow the chapter. Absolutely. Great. So so if you, got value in this episode, or if you maybe know somebody who needs, wants to maybe cultivate better, a better culture in their their community, this could be a really phenomenal episode, for them to listen to. And so share this with them.
Eric:This is how we grow we grow the show and, you know, just remember, givers gain. So thank you so much for listening, and, we'll see you in the next episode.
Crystal:Don't forget to log your single CEU. See you next time. Thank you for joining us for the Business Boost Hour. My name is Crystal Privette, and this is Eric Beals. Thank you for joining us, and don't forget to document your single CEU.
Crystal:See you next time. See you in
Eric:the next episode.
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