FBLA students visit alpaca ranch to explore local entrepreneurship

Twenty members of the Carbondale Community High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) visited Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch on Nov. 13 to learn firsthand how a local small business operates and grows in today’s economy.

During the visit, students toured the ranch, met the alpacas, and heard directly from the owners about how the business began, the challenges they faced, and the steps they took to turn a passion into a successful enterprise.

The owners also shared how they manage day-to-day operations, market their products, and serve customers both locally and online.

“This visit gave our students a real-world look at what it means to be an entrepreneur,” said Christi McGee, FBLA adviser. “Hearing the story behind Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch helped them connect what we discuss in the classroom — like risk, innovation, customer service and budgeting — to a living, breathing small business right here in our community.”

Students had the opportunity to ask questions about startup costs, business planning, branding, and how the ranch differentiates itself in a competitive market. They also saw how the ranch uses its unique setting and products — such as alpaca fiber goods — to create memorable customer experiences, reinforcing key principles of marketing and customer relations.

FBLA’s mission is to prepare students for careers in business and leadership. Experiences like the Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch visit support that mission by giving students meaningful contact with local entrepreneurs and helping them understand the vital role small businesses play in the regional economy.