Type Of Business:
200-Acre Ranch
Expertise:
Ms. Eckstrom's expertise includes product management and marketing.
Major Product/SVS:
Breeding and Sale of Alpacas and American-Made Alpaca Products including Fiber
Hobbies/Sports:
Knitting, Spinning Yarn, Felting,
Education Degrees:
College Coursework in Accounting; Diploma, Middletown Area High School, PA (1974)
Affiliations Awards:
Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association, Inc.; Southeastern Alpaca Association; Carolina Alpaca Breeders and Owners; Mid-Atlantic Alpaca Association; Virginia Alpaca Owners & Breeders Association
Industry:
Ranch Management
Date of Distinction:
5/20/2009
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
The hands-on individual care that she and her husband show each alpaca separates her from her peers.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
Moving the ranch with 68 alpacas across the country from Colorado to North Carolina.
How would you like to be remembered by your peers?:
As someone who is honest and supportive to her clients before, during and after the sale.
If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?:
Her father, because he was a good sounding board and had sense. He was intelligent and a good problem solver. She would like to share her success with him.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was moving the 68-alpaca herd from Colorado to North Carolina in only three days.
Charity:
The Women's Club, Murfreesboro, TN; Fundraiser, American Cancer Society, Inc.
Number Of Years In Profession:
19
Number Of Years In Current Position:
19
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her dedication to animals and creating awareness about them.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession through her lifelong desire to work with animals and her husband, Neil, who showed her a picture of an Alpaca and went to see them.
Extended Bio Profile:
Prior to owning her ranch, Ms. Eckstrom was in the field of accounting for 12 years.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Managing the Alpaca Ranch, Breeding 68 Alpacas, Selling Fiber End-Products and Alpacas, Overseeing Operations of the Ranch, Caring for Animals, Preparing Animals for Showing at Alpaca Shows Nationally
Awards/Honors:
Various Show Ribbons for her Alpacas