After almost 25 years of being an employee at Carquest, Mike Farris went from spinning wrenches in the shop and helping customers at the front desk to purchasing the business with his wife, Steph. Farris Farm and Auto is a family-owned business passionate about delivering excellence in everything they do. “We serve our communities with a high level of integrity and passion in what we do. We deliver the right products to the right place at the right time.” The couple was exploring the possibility of purchasing the business when Steph attended her first Quickbooks training. After the class, a lending partner suggested that she should reach out to Shandy at the Wolf Point SBDC for assistance in navigating the purchasing process. Shandy Moran, Wolf Point SBDC Regional Director, assisted Mike and Steph with business planning, financial projections, and cash flow analysis. Ultimately the plan they developed helped them secure the financial assistance they would need to make the dream a reality. The couple secured a commercial bank loan and additional financing through Great Northern Development Corporation, The Wolf Point SBDC’s host organization.
Owning a business has challenged both Mike and Steph with role changes. Steph stepped in as the office manager and bookkeeper for Farris Farm and Auto while still holding her full-time job away from the business. Mike shifted from being the full-time shop mechanic to the lead parts technician. He spends many late nights making sure clients receive superior service in the machine shop. Farris Farm and Auto supports the local ag community and finds themselves giving back through fair donations and event sponsorships. Looking back at his history in the store, Mike sees a lot that has changed in twenty-five years. However, the need for parts and quality customer service remains a constant for Mike and Steph.
