Faulkner Ranch at Pumpkin Time

Faulkner’s Ranch
By Cheryl Ann Wills

In October Bob and Marilyn Faulkner, son Matt, and daughter Christine Loneman magically transform their ranch into a Fall pumpkin depot galloping with movement to keep up with drifting leaves from trees on their 20 acres. This new property has only been open a year, but evidence of a lifetime of making people happy is in every detail of convenience and fun.

Bob watched his parents build a western wear business that operated for more than 35 years, from their living room to a 12,000 square foot storefront.

“My mother was the original telemarketer,” Bob said jokingly. “I remember her making calls to enroll people in her round dance classes, while Dad went calling square dances. I remember square dancers coming to our house to buy petticoats. My three siblings and I handed out flyers at the Municipal Center’s square dance festivals, advertising their business.”

Marilyn’s childhood memories are rich with family and friends, not businesses. It never occurred to her that she would be part of a family business someday. Now she’s proud to be part of her family’s accomplishments. So many of her friends are saddened that they rarely see their children or grandchildren because everyone is so busy. Marilyn is grateful that is not her story because of this business.

Matt and Christine grew up on the property the community remembers as Faulkner’s original Pumpkin Farm.

“We were always outside. We had the freedom of 40 acres. We romped around the pasture. And my friends and I had a Nature Kids’ Club,” Christine said. She thinks the pumpkin farm grew so fast partly because it was a re-creation of her youth.

“Work is fun,” Christine said. “I tell my friends, you will succeed in anything you are passionate about. Otherwise, why steal time from your family? It has to be worth it. For me, I am not stealing time from my family because they are all around me all the time. Especially in our country, everyone has opportunities. You can do what you want and love and you will always succeed and not burn out.”

“I grew up in a family with an entrepreneurial spirit,” Bob continued. “They taught me what I hope I have passed down to my children: you can accomplish much with hard work and by treating people equally and nice. And whatever it takes, you’d better love it.”

This philosophy is likely why Faulkner’s Ranch is loved by every person who spends time there, from little school children to families or any age person at a company picnic.

“With a team you can accomplish anything you want to do,” Bob said. Faulkner’s Ranch is run by a team and if the employees are not family, they are like family who have been with them for years. Bob says the future of this place is with Christine and Matt. He sees his grandchildren moving up next. They already show evidence of the Faulkner entrepreneurial spirit.

At Faulkner’s Pumpkin Farm, 10600 Raytown Road, you’ll find folks who love making sure your visit is the best imaginable. Gather a great memory between 10 am and 6 pm daily.