Growing Success: The Lessons Deb Wiegers Takes From Growing Up On A Farm

Wiegers Financial & Benefits provides expert financial planning services to farmers like you. Our role is to help you make the most of your family farm to achieve short- and long-term goals efficiently. Did you know Deb Wiegers, our managing principal of the benefits division, grew up on a farm in Tisdale, Saskatchewan? Growing up on a farm in Saskatchewan, Deb Wiegers learned valuable life lessons that would shape her into the successful business leader she is today. The vast fields, unpredictable weather, and the hard work required to manage a farm contributed to developing her strong work ethic and resilience. In this blog post, Deb shares a bit about her childhood on the farm and how these lessons have been pivotal in her journey to becoming a business leader.

The Importance of Hard Work:
Working on a farm is hard work. Every task requires dedication and effort, from tending to crops to caring for animals. Deb Wiegers learned early on that success often directly corresponds to the amount of hard work invested. This lesson has been a cornerstone of her work ethic, driving her to approach every challenge in her professional life with determination and dedication to providing the best service to her clients.

Adapting in the Face of Uncertainty:
Farming in Saskatchewan comes with its share of uncertainties, including unpredictable weather patterns and market fluctuations. These challenges taught Deb Wiegers the importance of adapting. The ability to adjust plans in response to unexpected events became a skill she carried into her business career. In the ever-changing landscape of employee benefit plans, adaptability has allowed her to navigate complex benefit plans and find the best option for her clients.

Teamwork and Collaboration:
Running a farm requires teamwork, with family members and hired hands working together to ensure success. Deb Wiegers learned the value of collaboration and effective communication from an early age. These lessons translated seamlessly into her leadership style, emphasizing the importance of building strong, cohesive teams in the corporate environment.

Resourcefulness and Innovation:
On a farm, problem-solving is a daily occurrence. Deb Wiegers honed her resourcefulness and innovation skills. These qualities have proven invaluable in her business leadership role, where she constantly seeks innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Patience and Long-Term Vision:
Farming is a long-term endeavour that requires patience and a focus on the bigger picture. This long-term perspective has influenced her approach to business, encouraging strategic planning and a commitment to sustainable growth. She brings this strategy when consulting group benefit plans and finding the plan that best fits clients’ long-term needs.

The Lessons Deb Wiegers Takes From Growing Up On A Farm

Growing up on a farm was an interesting experience, but it taught me the importance of adapting to change, strategizing, patience, and hard work. Just as you can’t rush a harvest, you can’t rush building a team. It’s about finding the right balance – knowing when to plant new ideas, when to weather the storms, and when to celebrate the wins. I always chuckle when I think of pulling barley out of wheat, and the wheat back then was higher than her, so I often would get lost in the field.

 

On the farm, I learned the art of patient cultivation and resilient problem-solving. Those same principles apply in the business world, especially in the benefits industry. It’s about sowing the seeds of innovation, navigating challenges with a steady hand, and fostering a team culture that grows success naturally.

 

Just like understanding the seasons is crucial on the farm, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the benefits industry is key. It’s about staying nimble, anticipating shifts, and playing to the strengths of the team. My farm roots have definitely shaped my approach – a mix of practical wisdom and a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude that keeps things growing in the benefits division.

 

–Deb Wiegers, Managing Principal, Benefits Division, Wiegers Financial and Benefits

Wiegers Financial and Benefits is more than just a financial planning and benefits consulting firm; it’s a business that cares about making a difference in people’s lives. The personalized service, expertise, and community involvement set them apart. Their dedication to understanding the unique needs of their clients and building long-lasting relationships makes them a trusted partner in securing financial futures. Talk to one of our financial planners about the future of your farm.