Wheel Line owner Susie, right, with her daughter Maryanna.
Crafting Tradition: The Journey of Wheel Line Cider
“As a small business owner, it’s impossible to do everything on your own.” – Susie Jensen
Meet Susie Jensen, owner and creator of Wheel Line Cider located in Ellensburg, Washington. Together with her daughter, Maryanna, a cider maker and an orchardist, this small team of four has taken their cider worldwide in just six years.
“It has been a wonderful learning curve. It became evident real fast: if you make great cider and people like it, then they will want to rebuy it.”
SEEDING INSPIRATION
The story of Wheel Line Cider began with a realization of untapped potential on the family’s 300-acre farm. Inspired by her travels and a deep appreciation for cider’s historical significance, Jensen envisioned a venture that would not only revive a forgotten tradition but also honor her family’s farming legacy. The name itself pays homage to her father-in-law’s pioneering invention of the Wheel Line irrigation system, symbolizing innovation and tradition intertwined.
CULTIVATING EXPERTISE
With no formal business background but a wealth of lifetime experience, now retired teacher Jensen knew she needed help to get Wheel Line off the ground. That’s when she found Thurston EDC and two of its programs – Washington APEX Accelerator, and ScaleUp.
“I tried to do this on my own and it was a fiasco,” says Jensen. “But when I saw ScaleUp and joined in October, that opened my eyes to literally how much I didn’t know. Then I got connected with APEX and it’s just been wonderful; they have literally held my hand. People don’t realize all that Washington state does to really support small businesses. The Thurston EDC offers a support team that I could never afford. It’s just been unbelievable.”
Some of the guidance that APEX provided included SAM registration, federal expansion, and government contracting assistance. APEX also assisted start-to-finish with Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) registration. That support, in addition with other partners, led to Wheel Line Cider being named the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Seattle District Rural Small Business of the Year in 2020.
As Wheel Line Cider continues its journey, Jensen emphasizes the joy and gratitude she has with working closely with her daughter and Marketing Director, Maryanna. As they navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, one thing remains clear: the journey of Wheel Line Cider is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and the enduring spirit of family enterprise.
Want to try Wheel Line Cider? Visit their website for more information:
Facebook: /Wheellinecider
Instagram: /wheellinecider