North State Rocks

Hat Creek Construction & Materials, Inc.

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. Learn more at www.northstaterocks.com.

  1. North State Rocks with Weston Hutchings, Hat Creek Construction

    26. MÄRZ

    North State Rocks with Weston Hutchings, Hat Creek Construction

    On this episode of North State Rocks, Perry Thompson sits down with his cousin and co-owner, Weston Hutchings, to tell the remarkable story of Hat Creek Construction: from survival mode during the 2008 recession to becoming a regional powerhouse in construction and materials.  Weston shares his journey from working at Granite Construction and Sierra Nevada Construction in Reno to joining Hat Creek in February 2009 with one goal: to raise his family where he grew up. The conversation explores the company's near-death experiences, including their worst year financially ($22M revenue in 2007 that left them near bankruptcy), their pivot into the paving business (losing $100K in three days on their first job), and the aggressive risks they took to survive and eventually thrive. Weston reveals how acquiring Jim Miller's asphalt plant, building the Susanville operation, and establishing plants in Lookout and Eagle Peak helped transform Hat Creek into a $100M operation.  But the heart of this episode is about more than business success. Weston and Perry discuss the partnership model that keeps them grounded: how having a trusted co-owner makes the lonely weight of leadership manageable. They explore the role supportive spouses played in enabling them to pursue big dreams, the importance of core values in hiring and culture, and why attracting and retaining elite operational talent has been their greatest competitive advantage. This is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, resilience, and what it means to build something meaningful in the North State. Learn more at northstaterocks.com.  Listen to the podcast at northstaterocks.com or on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, IHeartRadio, and Pandora.

    1 Std. 34 Min.
  2. North State Rocks with Bailey Small, PRCA Professional Saddle Bronc Rider

    7. MÄRZ

    North State Rocks with Bailey Small, PRCA Professional Saddle Bronc Rider

    From Fall River to the PRCA: How Bailey Small Turned Small-Town Roots into a Pro Rodeo Career In this episode of North State Rocks, host Perry Thompson sits down with Bailey Small, a Fall River High School graduate and second-year PRCA professional saddle bronc rider. Bailey traces his path from juggling six sports in high school to earning a 4.0 GPA in his master's program at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas… and ultimately competing on the national rodeo circuit. Bailey opens up about the moment he nearly quit his freshman year of college, the friendship that pulled him back on course, and the goal-setting habit that has guided every step of his career. He also details his return from a serious knee injury sustained in Pueblo, Colorado, and shares the visualization routine he uses before every single ride. Listeners will hear what it actually takes to build a pro rodeo career from the North State, why small-town coaches and community support matter more than most people realize, and what it means to compete at 100 rodeos a year with the National Finals Rodeo in your sights. Follow Bailey on Facebook and catch his rides on the Cowboy Channel. Listen at northstaterocks.com or on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, IHeartRadio, and Pandora.

    42 Min.
  3. North State Rocks: Panel on Wolves and Ranchers

    22.12.2025

    North State Rocks: Panel on Wolves and Ranchers

    On this episode of North State Rocks, host Perry Thompson brings together three distinct perspectives on the wolf crisis devastating Lassen County: Wyatt Hanson (rancher at Willow Creek Ranch, facing 10 confirmed wolf kills), Richard Egan (rancher and former Lassen County Administrator), and John McGarva (current Lassen County Sheriff). The conversation exposes a critical gap in law enforcement. While sheriffs can issue public safety directives for mountain lions and bears, wolves are "double protected" by state and federal law, leaving communities vulnerable as wolves become increasingly habituated to human presence and exhibit aggressive behavior that runs counter to official wildlife narratives. Listeners will gain insight into the policy handcuffs strangling law enforcement and ranchers alike, discover why misinformation about wolves persists, and hear urgent calls for lethal control tools and delisted zones as necessary management strategies. This episode represents a turning point in the North State wolf conversation, raising voices that official channels have been designed to silence. Learn more at northstaterocks.com.

    1 Std. 27 Min.
  4. North State Rocks with Jessica Vigil, Elwood Ranch

    20.11.2025

    North State Rocks with Jessica Vigil, Elwood Ranch

    On this episode of North State Rocks, we sit down with Jessica Vigil, a North State native who grew up on Dixie Valley Ranch and now works for Elwood Ranch, to discuss the devastating impact of wolves on northeastern California ranchers. Jessica shares firsthand accounts of livestock predation, the emotional and financial toll on ranching families, and the stark policy differences between California and neighboring states like Oregon and Washington. Jessica reveals the challenges federal trappers face in confirming kills, the wolves' increasing habituation to human presence, and why these packs pose a different threat than California's original wolf population. Learn more at northstaterocks.com.

    1 Std. 3 Min.
  5. North State Rocks with Lassen Family Services

    21.10.2025

    North State Rocks with Lassen Family Services

    On this episode of the North State Rocks podcast, we sit down with Angela Reed, Executive Director, and Brett Lindsey, Housing Coordinator of Lassen Family Services, the region’s leading nonprofit supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and other traumas across rural Northern California. The conversation dives into the organization’s 45-year history: from its grassroots beginnings in 1977 to its current role as a comprehensive crisis response and community resource hub. Angela and Brett share how Lassen Family Services provides 24/7 crisis intervention, safe housing, legal advocacy, and wraparound support that helps survivors rebuild their lives. The discussion highlights the unique challenges of serving rural communities, the importance of trauma-informed care, and the organization’s leadership in local coalitions such as the NorCal Continuum of Care and Youth Action Board. Listeners will hear inspiring stories of resilience, learn about the power of community collaboration, and discover how local businesses are stepping up to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month through creative fundraising campaigns. This episode offers valuable insights into how Lassen Family Services empowers survivors, fosters hope, and strengthens the social fabric of the North State…proving that even in the most rural corners of California, compassion and collaboration can change lives. LEARN MORE: NorthStateRocks.com

    53 Min.
  6. North State Rocks with Paul Reuter, Pace Engineering

    16.09.2025

    North State Rocks with Paul Reuter, Pace Engineering

    In this North State Rocks episode, host Perry Thompson, President/CEO of Hat Creek Construction, connected with Paul Reuter, President of Pace Engineering, to explore impactful leadership and community resilience. Paul shared how Pace navigated economic challenges since 2008, thriving as a 100% employee-owned firm through a “teamwork-oriented culture” and shared success. Listeners will gain insight into the profound value of work-life balance and family, a philosophy Paul champions. The discussion also covered the bold decision to build a new office during the pandemic, reflecting faith over fear. Paul, a North State native, beautifully highlighted the region's diverse offerings and the deep connection people have to their home.

    1 Std. 5 Min.
  7. North State Rocks with Bruce Dean, Black Bear Diner

    16.09.2025

    North State Rocks with Bruce Dean, Black Bear Diner

    In this episode of North State Rocks, listeners will discover how Bruce Dean and his partner transformed a $40,000 investment into Black Bear Diner's 166-location restaurant empire spanning 14 states. Dean shares the unvarnished truth about entrepreneurship, including the company's near-collapse in 1998 when rapid expansion nearly led to bankruptcy, his hard-learned lessons about cutting losses despite sunk costs, and why 75% of restaurants fail within five years. The conversation explores Dean's contrarian investment strategy during the 2008 recession, his philosophy of promoting managers from within rather than hiring externally, and how private equity partnership enabled explosive growth from 75 to 166 locations. Dean reveals why investing in employee culture and training drives customer satisfaction, how North State values translate nationally, and provides candid insights into cash flow management, franchise operations, and the brutal realities of scaling a restaurant business in today's economy.

    1 Std. 14 Min.
  8. North State Rocks with Liz Ammon, California Agriculture Educator of the Year

    25.08.2025

    North State Rocks with Liz Ammon, California Agriculture Educator of the Year

    In this episode of North State Rocks, listeners will discover how Elizabeth Ammon has built one of California's premier Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs at Lassen High School, achieving record participation with 60 students at the recent fair and over $430,000 in auction proceeds. Liz shares her journey from a Sacramento-area teenager who didn't know what "ag" meant to becoming California's 2021-22 Agriculture Educator of the Year, discussing how COVID unexpectedly sparked increased student participation and the program's remarkable competitive success, including five state championships and a national title. The conversation explores how FFA develops exceptional future employees through comprehensive leadership opportunities, supports all students regardless of background, and emphasizes community service while giving back to the North State region.

    54 Min.
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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. Learn more at www.northstaterocks.com.

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  • Erstellt von
    Hat Creek Construction & Materials, Inc.
  • Jahre aktiv
    2025 - 2026
  • Folgen
    15
  • Bewertung
    Anstößig
  • Sendungswebsite
    North State Rocks
  • Anbieter

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