Some people see a need and simply say, “Wouldn’t it be nice to have…?” But for Audra Montgomery of Carrington, N.D., she noticed a need and then took action to fulfill it.
Montgomery has been showing cattle and sheep since she was a young girl. When she was traveling to shows, she witnessed time and again many showmen who needed supplies, but there was no one to fulfill their needs. Cleverly, she decided to make this the assignment for her supervised agricultural experience (SAE). The result: Final Drive Show Supply was created.
“Once I had the idea, it kind of snowballed,” Montgomery says. “I received a grant through our North Dakota Foundation and purchased my first stock of products. I got my name out there and started taking my supplies to the various shows.”
Montgomery notes that her biggest selling point for her business was being on site, but it was also important for her to develop strong customer relations and good time management skills.
“You need to make sure you listen to your customers to help determine what they need and be available for them when they need you,” Montgomery says.
She has watched her idea flourish from a start-up to a successful business that has earned her top honors, as she has been named a 2017 finalist for the American Star in Agribusiness.
In addition to creating Final Drive Show Supply, she also helped start the Montgomery Ranch Annual Production Sale.
She thanks FFA and her hands-on experiences for her business success and she specifically credits an egg sales class she took her junior year. “During that class I learned how to deal with customers and fine-tune those skills and relationships.”
Montgomery also credits her parents and her advisor (who is also her sister) for their guidance and encouragement. “The support of my family and seeing this grow from, literally nothing, has just been one of the best experiences,” Montgomery says.
She says to others who are considering entrepreneurship, “The experience from doing any sort of business in general is just awesome. The things you learn about your business and yourself helps you grow as a person.”
Currently studying agricultural education at North Dakota State University, Montgomery hopes to find a position at a school closer to her home so she can still be involved with the family farm. She plans to continue her show business and perhaps one day pass it down in the family.
The daughter of Betty and Dennis, she is a member of the Carrington FFA Chapter, led by advisor Missy Hansen.
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