16: 2nd Generation Fair Industry Entrepreneur Ryann Boeger Newman

My guest today is one of the strongest women I’ve ever known. Ryann Boeger Newman grew up in the fair industry since her family ran pony rides at fairs. Growing up in the fair industry, Ryann learned to cultivate her entrepreneurial spirit, always looking for ways to improve the business. Following in her father’s footsteps, Ryann has gone from vendor to fair manager. Her wise, hardworking, and ambitious spirit is evident to all who know her. I hope you’ll understand what it’s like to walk in her shoes.

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What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Her family has done pony rides in fairs since 1961!
• How her dad encouraged her entrepreneurial spirit
• Growing up on the fairgrounds
• Beautiful memories
• The draw of the fair life—it’s home for 5-1/2 months each year
• The family business, being passed down to Ryann’s brother from her father
• Loves the variety, positive interaction, and family time of the fair life
• At age 21, she bought her own pony ride business
• Why Ryann’s pony rides are different from others you’ve seen
• Working with children and animals?
• Ryann became a food vendor (shaved ice) for awhile, but then returned to pony rides
• Develops relationships with people through pony rides
• Husband, Mike, diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2013
• Mike’s attitude: He chose NOT to be sick
• The shift for Ryann: hired as CEO of the Glenn County Fair
• How she continues the family business, too
• Why Ryann now has empathy for fair manager and their jobs
• The difference in working for a board vs. working for self
• The need for grass roots fundraising
• Bureaucracy and paperwork!!
• “Hire good people and get out of their way!”
• Ryann’s advice for new people in the fair industry? 
• Goal is to make more money on the vendor and manager side
• “It’s getting harder and less fun, with all the fees and regulations.”
• Criticism hurts when you care so much!
• Will Ryann’s children follow in the family business? She hopes so!
• Hear what Ryann’s daughters, Mason and Hayden, think about the fair life!
• Connect with Ryann: www.happydayponyride.com.