North State Rocks

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 t...

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. Eg...

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...

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 gover...

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 ...

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 s...

Discover the hidden gems and extraordinary people of California’s North State region. Join Perry Thompson, CEO of Hat Creek Construction & Materials, as he explores the vibrant communities and interesting neighbors that make our region a great place to live, work, and play.

Each episode brings you face-to-face with local heroes, hard-working entrepreneurs, and passionate community leaders who are writing the next chapter of the...