Celebrating the people, places, and potential of California's North State.
Discover the hidden gems and extraordinary people of California’s North State region. Join Perry Thompson, CEO of Hat Creek Construction & Materials, as he explores the vibrant communities and interesting neighbors that make our region a great place to live, work, and play.
Each episode brings you face-to-face with local heroes, hard-working entrepreneurs, and passionate community leaders who are writing the next chapter of the North State's legacy. More than a podcast, it celebrates our shared history and future.
We'll tackle the challenges facing our region, spotlight opportunities for growth, and showcase the resilience that defines us. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, North State Rocks offers a fresh perspective on the place we proudly call home.
Tune in, be inspired, and rediscover the North State with us. This is your community. This is your story.
In this episode, we sit down with Travis Corder, a fourth-generation farmer (Corder Farms) who manages over 7,000 acres across Shasta and Lassen counties – and Perry’s best friend since high school. From succession planning to water rights, and from vertical integration to community values, this episode explores the unique challenges and rewards of running a multi-generational family business in California's agricultural sector. Our guest shares fascinating insights about agricultural economics, including the disconnect between consumer prices and farmer revenues, while highlighting the importance of evolving business practices to stay competitive. The episode concludes with a powerful reflection on what makes the North State unique - not just its natural beauty, but the multi-generational community fabric that supports its success.
A candid conversation with Carie Camacho, Interim Superintendent and President of Lassen Community College, exploring the institution's role in workforce development, new programs, student success stories, and the value of community college education in creating career pathways without substantial student debt.
Discover the hidden gems and extraordinary people of California’s North State region. Join Perry Thompson, CEO of Hat Creek Construction & Materials, as he explores the vibrant communities and interesting neighbors that make our region a great place to live, work, and play. Each episode brings you face-to-face with local heroes, hard-working entrepreneurs, and passionate community leaders who are writing the next chapter of the North State's legacy. More than a podcast, it celebrates our shared history and future. We'll tackle the challenges facing our region, spotlight opportunities for growth, and showcase the resilience that defines us. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, North State Rocks offers a fresh perspective on the place we proudly call home. Tune in, be inspired, and rediscover the North State with us. This is your community. This is your story.
Perry Thompson is President and CEO of Hat Creek Construction (HCC). His nearly three-decade journey with the company has been marked through various roles, including Project Manager, Operations Manager, and Vice President, where he gained hands-on experience in site work, road building, bridge construction, paving, and concrete work.
Perry oversees operations and spearheads strategic planning initiatives to drive HCC’s growth, including securing appropriate quarry permits and reserves for the next three decades and beyond. He strongly emphasizes building and protecting the company's culture and is dedicated to nurturing talent to ensure his team has professional growth and development opportunities.
He’s a community leader who has supported multiple children’s organizations in the communities HCC serves, including Future Farmers of America, 4-H, Sober Grads, and youth sports. Perry is also a member of the Susanville Rotary and Vistage Redding. Originally from Hat Creek, he lives in McArthur with his wife (and enjoys his grown children!). Fun fact? Perry has been married to his amazing wife and partner, April, for over 34 years. From organizing holiday parties to assisting with social media to managing HCC’s swag and community donations, she has been an integral teammate in building the company’s culture and success.
Favorite part of working at HCC? “I’m proud to lead HCC because we offer the opportunity to be part of a high-performing dream team that consistently excels year after year. People who join our team contribute to something larger than yourself, experience measurable daily success, and work alongside colleagues who share core values around quality and teamwork.” Favorite local spots: “I'm always in awe of the beauty of McArthur Burney Falls each time I stop in. And it's less than three miles from our Burney office! We are so lucky to live in a region with abundant natural beauty, outdoor activities, and tight-knit community.”
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