Eskywell Farms

an entrepreneurial ecosystem

OUR MISSION

At Integrated Life we believe that the pace of life for business owners has far exceeded what is healthy, safe and enjoyable. We believe that there are not enough opportunities for entrepreneurs to work together, grow together, and enjoy the journey together, all while building a business that helps them build the life that they want.

As such, our mission is both incredibly large and incredibly simple: To provide an entrepreneurial ecosystem where people can connect and grow with the values that really matter to them.

Each of us may have our own interpretation of what that means. To some, it's an opportunity to re-connect with nature, to others it means a place to connect with other entrepreneurs, and yet to others it's a place to escape the pressures of modern society while they forge their own unique path as a solopreneur.

To accomplish this mission, we are currently in the process of acquiring an old farm - complete with acreage, barns, and a silo - to transform into a beautiful entrepreneurial paradise.

OUR VISION

A mission without vision is simply a daydream. Simply stated our vision is a place that inspires every person who visits to incorporate positive change into their life and the lives of those around them.

There are so many ways people can positively change their lives and in doing so, positively change the world. It is our greatest hope that we can provide a spark and that through our unique model we can initiate change in the rest of the world via entrepreneurship and business ownership.

OUR VALUES

At the heart of every decision we make is a reflection upon our core values:

Family - many definitions, one feeling

Connectivity - with each other, with our surroundings, with nature, with the community

Joy - we need to make time for more joy in our lives

Wellness - mental, physical, emotional

Entrepreneurship -as a tool to create the life we want

Down to Business

While we spend a lot of time creating, refining and reflecting on our mission, vision and values, at the end of the day, in order to accomplish our goals, we need to have a functional, sustainable and profitable business.

Rather than looking at the business aspects as a necessary evil, we have created a model that encompasses everything we stand for and allows us to work hard knowing that everything we do can further our mission.

WHAT IS ESKYWELL FARMS?

At its heart, it is a physical place for entrepreneurs to come together, test ideas, learn, grow and succeed. Rather than focus solely on remote workers and virtual businesses, it encompasses things such as microbrewing equipment, coffee roasting equipment, musical lighting, sound and staging, and much more to allow entrepreneurs a chance to test the feasibility of their business model before launching themselves into their own establishment. From yoga, wellness, farming and animals to music, coffee, beer, photography and technology, it is a self contained ecosystem designed for people who want to grow a better business for a better life.

It is also a local gathering place. Free to enter, free to visit, free to explore. A place to play games, enjoy food, to study, to work and to relax. A "third place".

It is a coworking cafe combined with private offices, conference rooms, and hiking trails. The perfect place to host workshops, seminars, lunch and learns and more. A central location where everything an entrepreneur needs, from coffee to mentors are all in one place.

It is also very much a farm. Visitors can come to spend the day wandering the fields, meeting animals, playing lawn games, enjoying some local food and sampling onsite crafted drinks. In the evenings, special events such as concerts, outdoor movie nights, cookouts and more will attract paying customers and provide recreational activities for families and people of all ages.

The venue will be available for rental for larger, private events, such as weddings, birthday parties, graduation parties, corporate events, and our annual UNPLUGGED Retreat.

Once established within the community, Eskywell Farms will be a destination for events as well as a place to come spend a lazy afternoon with friends and family. It is a place that inspires, motivates, and promotes positive change on a personal and professional level.

REVENUE STREAMS

Creation of a well-diversified set of revenue streams is a major operational goal of Eskywell Farms. We believe strongly in taking the pressure off of any one specific stream and allowing ample time to test and evaluate several opportunities. In addition to creating multiple income options, we also believe a key to sustainability is slow, responsible growth. Short and long term revenue streams are as follows:

-Private Offices and coworking memberships

-Rental of specialty equipment - brewing, roasting, carpentry

-Special Event Ticket Sales (movies, cookouts, camps, concerts, seminars)

-Workshops, courses, wellness activities

-Venue Rentals (Weddings, Birthdays, Grad Parties, etc)

-Music events

-Beverage sales (coffee, beer, etc)

-Prepared food sales (longer term goal, utilizing farm produce, limited menu)

-Branded merchandise (shirts, hats, cross promotional items)

-UNPLUGGED Retreat

Case Studies

Eskywell Farms is based on the best concepts present in a variety of successful establishments. We look for inspiration across the globe and at home in Michigan and have visited a variety of venues including farms, nurseries, breweries, wineries, wedding venues, hotels and parks. The case studies below represent just a small sampling of the inspiration for Eskywell Farms.

POND HILL FARMS

Pond Hill Farms, located in Harbor Springs, MI, is a fully functioning farm. In addition to a variety of crops, the farms also raises several different animals as well.

Pond Hill Farms went from selling produce, to having a cafe, to making wine and now having an onsite micro brewery.

The venue is rented out for weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties and much more. Additionally, themed dinners and dances are held throughout the year.

The feel is very casual, there is no entry fee and visitors can hike, play yard games, pet animals and get a first hand look at the operations of the farm.

Petersham Nursery

Petersham Nursery, located in the borough of Richmond in London, UK, serves as a great case study for a location that utilizes its products for sale as decoration, offers free entry, is a destination for international visitors as well as local visitors and also rents out as a wedding and event space.

Petersham utilizes a rustic, eclectic decorating scheme which allows them to inexpensively create a unique aesthetic. Also of note is that almost all of the display pieces and furnishing are also for sale.

There are also extremely large gardens with produce and flowers, both of which are utilized (sold) for events, food dishes are prepared in house, floral arrangements are made in house.

Great study on maximizing the space and finding creative ways to cut costs while creating an international destination.

THE LITTLE FLEET

Little Fleet has locations in both Traverse City and Alpena, MI. The unique set up allows the venue to circumvent a lot of the licensing requirements that can be a barrier to entry for many start up locations.

Little fleet does not make or serve any food, it is all provided by food trucks, who all pay "rent" for the opportunity to serve there. Even during winter months there is a food truck providing all the food. Due to this, Little Fleet does not need to abide by or obtain licensing for many of the strict rules set forth for restaurants.

Little fleet also maintains a very low maintenance decorating theme, concrete floors and simple wood create a very casual, easy to maintain atmosphere.

The venue is extremely family (and pet) friendly, allowing space for kids to run and play, and adults to unwind.

HopLot Brewing

Hop Lot Brewing is located in Suttons Bay, MI and was awarded the best new brewery award based on its venue.

The key feature year round is the expansive beer garden. Furnished with simple, picnic table style furniture and easy to maintain gravel. The garden features a fire pit, trees, hops growing, a river and several lawn games.

Additionally, a stage and outdoor service area are placed in the garden allowing for entertainment and service outdoors year round.

The staff promotes a casual vide and it is not uncommon for patrons to spend an entire day lounging outside. Visitors are encouraged to share space at the long "family style" tables, meet new people and embrace a comfortable family bbq style day.

The Integrated Life Team

The Integrated Life Company LLC is a business development company operated by Brandon Still. After almost a decade as a partner in a regional business development consulting agency, Brandon left for a more family-centric lifestyle and created the Integrated Life Company in Oakland County. The Integrated Life Company is the culmination of 15 + years experience in consulting, coworking, and working with communites across the midwest to build entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Inquiries

If you are interested in learning more about the project, joining the team or exploring other ways you can help, please feel free to reach out at brandon@integratedlifeco.com

Thank you!