FOSTER, R.I. (WJAR) — The Darcy family in Foster has a great idea: turn their Red Rock Farm into a affordable event venue. Problem was, they didn’t have a business background.
So, they turned to SCORE, a nonprofit, to get some sage, free advice.
Patrice Wood reports on business mentoring in the local community. (WJAR)
Paul and Monica Darcy run the 70-acre Red Rock Farm in Foster. It’s a family-owned historic farm with an equestrian center. The property was their daughter’s choice for her wedding.
“I think that’s when the seed was planted. We had our daughter’s wedding out here and it was just amazing,” said Paul Darcy.
Their idea: an event venue for corporate retreats, weddings and retirement parties.
“We have large outdoor fields where a beautiful tent can stand with historic stone walls all around,” Monica Darcy said.
The Darcys had a beautiful location and a great idea, but they knew they needed someone to help them get their idea off the ground.
“We call ourselves the professor and the colonel,” Paul Darcy said.
Paul was a career military man, and Monica knows a lot about teaching college students.
But business plans, not so much.
So, they called Chris Westerkamp, one of 45 local volunteer mentors with SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives.
The nonprofit nationwide group pairs people like Westerkamp with people like the Darcys to show them how do things right.
“You know, help them make decisions so they don’t go down a rabbit hole or something like that,” said Westerkamp.
With guidance from marketing to business plans.
“I can read things all day long, but to be able to pick up a phone, text or email and ask Chris a question is invaluable,” Monica Darcy said.
One couple who just took a tour of the site got a sweet surprise.
“As we were coming away from the back field, four deer walked by. Now, we can’t guarantee that but that’s the kind of place this is,” Monica Darcy said.
Westerkamp is confident he’ll be adding Red Rock Farm to his growing list of successful SCORE clients.
“If they follow good advice and it helps their business, that’s a great feeling of satisfaction,” Westerkamp said.
The Service Corps of Retired Executives offers the service free of charge.
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