Tri County EDC Financing helps Cheesemaker’s Dream become a Reality
Tim and Jill Pedrozo made the decision to move their herd of 60 Jersey cows from Modesto to Orland in 1999. The corporate dairy mentality of “the larger the herd the better,” strongly voiced in the Central Valley, just wasn’t for them. The Pedrozo’s believed that feeding their cows on grass pasture year-around allowed for the best milk taste and production. This great-tasting milk has become the primary ingredient in their award winning array of farmstead cheeses.
Their dream was passed on to daughter, Mandy Johnston, who joined the business in the fall of 2006. To make this dream a reality, Pedrozo Dairy and Cheese Co. needed to increase production and training time for Mandy on the techniques of cheese making.
At that time, Tri County EDC was on the Pedrozo’s radar screen as a possible lender. The deal was cemented when the family realized the staff at Tri County EDC had the desire to not only see the Pedrozo family’s business succeed, but to also help them find the path to that success.
Mandy, now an accomplished cheesemaker, is highly complimentary in her praise of the Tri County EDC staff. “I have found a great mentor in Marc Nemanic. He has helped me in all aspects of our business. The entire staff at Tri County EDC works to help our business succeed. If they don’t have the answer, they will help me find it. They have great resources in all areas of business.”
The Pedozo’s future goals include marketing Pedrozo Dairy and Cheese Co. as an agri-tourism destination. With the current focus on the importance of agriculture and the eco-system, the Pedrozo’s would like to share their “old world style” of dairy and cheese making with others who might have interest in this process. It is their goal to maintain their family-owned business while creating a high quality product in a manner that can sustain their families.
Prior to the financing from Tri County EDC, Tim and Jill were considering selling the property and the business. With the appropriate Tri County EDC financing services in place, and a supportive organization backing their dream, they were able to make equipment and technology improvements that allowed them to realize their business was more than just an income, it was a legacy. Mandy Johnston agrees.
