In this interview, we speak with Jacy Bapst, founder of Pannell Enterprises, a marketing agency dedicated to supporting rural and agricultural businesses. Jacy shares her journey from growing up on a Wyoming ranch to building a business that brings large-scale marketing support to the agricultural sector. She talks about the challenges of scaling a team, her passion for agriculture, and her hopes for the future.
1. Jacy, tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to start Pannell Enterprises.
I grew up on a ranch in Northeast Wyoming, where my family raised cattle. Starting out in agricultural sales and marketing for larger ag companies, I saw firsthand how valuable marketing support could be for our clients. I realized that rural and agricultural businesses, which I believe are the backbone of our country, could benefit from the same level of marketing that we provided on a larger scale. That’s where Pannell Enterprises was born—I wanted to bring them into the digital world and offer the kind of marketing services they deserve.
2. What’s been one of the biggest challenges in growing Pannell Enterprises?
Figuring out when and how to bring on team members was one of the toughest things for me. I went from being a one-person operation to managing team dynamics. I’ve been incredibly blessed with great people who wanted to be a part of Pannell Enterprises, but navigating this shift was definitely challenging. Transitioning from working alone to leading a team is a learning experience, and I’m grateful for the support along the way.
3. Your work focuses on rural and agricultural businesses. What keeps you motivated to serve this sector?
I truly believe that rural and agricultural businesses are essential to our country, and that conviction drives me. We had a situation where there was a question of conflict with my husband’s job and a competitor we worked with. At first, I felt like I was being told to stop my “little side hustle,” but after discussions, it became clear that Pannell Enterprises had grown into a larger agency than anyone had realized. Knowing that we’re making a significant impact keeps me focused on our mission.
4. What’s a piece of advice that has guided you through this journey?
Trust God in everything—He won’t steer you wrong. And remember, everything is “figure-out-able.” There will be challenges, but having faith and a problem-solving mindset helps me tackle whatever comes our way.
5. Can you share a memorable moment from your entrepreneurial journey?
Leaving my full-time job to focus on Pannell Enterprises was a huge step. It was exciting and scary, but it felt right. That decision marked a turning point for me and gave me the push I needed to fully invest in what we’re building.
6. What’s your vision for Pannell Enterprises?
I want us to keep growing and serving agricultural and rural businesses. My vision is to have a regionally located team across the country to provide more in-person experiences and make our services accessible. We aim to create a flexible work environment and give our clients an excellent experience by handling their marketing so they can focus on their strengths. Ultimately, I hope our work helps tell the story of American agriculture and allows people to encounter God through what we do.
Final Thoughts
Jacy’s story reflects the dedication and resilience needed to build a business that serves rural America. Her commitment to telling the story of agriculture and helping others encounter a higher purpose through her work is inspiring. You can learn more about Pannell Enterprises and their mission at pannellenterprises.com.