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Tom Kassian
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| Tom and his wife, Katy, had always planned to relocate to North Dakota when the timing was right. |
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Untold Opportunities
For Tom Kassian, returning to North Dakota literally meant coming home to the place where he grew up--his parent's farm outside Wilton. It was the fulfillment of a dream he had since leaving the state for Denver nearly 30 years ago in search of employment.
Tom and his wife, Katy, had always planned to relocate to North Dakota when the timing was right. Three years ago they were able to purchase the family farm, and last year they made the move.
A Welcome Invitation
Tired of the fast pace of big city living, the couple and their three teenaged sons were searching for a better quality of life and the opportunity to live close to Tom's family. Attending a 2005 North Dakota networking event in Denver helped them decide the time was right.
"Tom visited with everyone from the banker in Wilton to former classmates," Katy said. "Receiving that invitation was one of the greatest things to happen to our family."
In addition to farming, Tom continues to operate Tom Kat on Site, a mobile semi-truck repair service he started in Denver.
"Coming home provided me the opportunity to grow a business unique to the state," Tom said. He specializes in repairing Caterpillar engines and offers customers the convenience of having their trucks repaired in their own shops. The majority of his business is within a 50-mile radius of Bismarck, but he also services trucks throughout the state.
"My hope is to grow the business to some day either sell it or hire someone to do the bulk of the work so I can devote more time to farming," he said.
For now, his business offers the flexibility to pursue farming while having more time for family than while living in Denver.
Katy and their sons have made a smooth transition to country living. Katy's job at a Bismarck truck stop allows her time to pursue professional photography, a business she began in Denver. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and riding her horse. Their two older sons have joined the military. Their youngest is attending Wilton High School and has already expressed an interest in remaining on the family farm.
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"Coming home provided me the opportunity to grow a business unique to the state." |
Pursuing Possibilities
In North Dakota, the family's expectations for a better quality of life have been fulfilled. "There's no comparison when it comes to the friendliness of the people here," Tom said. "Even people you don't know wave and say hello."
Katy agrees. "Everyone in our community, from people at the school to people working at the businesses we use are very helpful and friendly," she said.
Katy, a California native, became involved in the North Dakota Ambassador Program soon after their move. She touts North Dakota to her out-of-state family and friends. "I tell them about the diversity here--everything from big business to country living. I emphasize small town life and the possibilities for small businesses. It's a whole other way of life here. They'll also find a lower cost of living and great schools for their kids."
The family has no regrets about making the move, other than wishing they could have done it sooner. "There are untold opportunities here for people who want to think outside the box," Katy said. "I tell people that anything you want to be, you can be it here."
The family treasures the peacefulness and beauty of their new home. From the rocking chairs on their front porch, the couple enjoys the geese flying overhead and the wildlife that visits their yard. "We love living here," said Katy. "Every morning it's a different sunrise; every evening it's a different sunset."
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Ad Copy with Pictures
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