Steven Gleason and his partner Michelle O’Rourke were Yankee Farm Credit’s first FarmStart investment.
In May Steven and Michelle started Gleason's Custom Spreading and Hauling in Derby, VT. With the help from a FarmStart investment they were able to purchase a truck with a sliding manure tank spreader, a forage box, and ag flotation tires.
Steven, age 23, has spent his life working around agriculture. He grew up on his parent’s organic dairy farm and still helps out whenever he can. He has spent the last several years working for a custom hire operation and a local maple sugaring operation. His hands-on experience makes him a great investment for the FarmStart program.
Steven runs the day-to-day activities of the business. Michelle assists him with managing his accounts, as well as working part-time and caring for their young son.
The FarmStart Advisor for Steven and Michelle is Kelly Richardson, a loan officer in the Newport office. In addition to being a financial advisor, Kelly helped Steven and Michelle consider an appropriate business structure for their enterprise.
