A legacy is a reflection of the values, beliefs, and contributions someone leaves behind, whether through their actions, their achievements, or the way they inspire others. It has less to do with material wealth and more to do with a life of purpose and fulfillment. A strong legacy can shape communities, inspire change, and create a foundation for those who come after—ensuring that the essence of who you are continues to resonate and guide others after you are gone.
Our hope is that you will be inspired by the legacies that these families will share through their stories here. What legacy will you leave?
For Bill and Paula Jacobs, legacy comes in the form of the family’s Christmas tree farm. Not simply the farm itself, but all it represents—hard work, integrity, and the joy that comes with helping other families build traditions of their own. For this family, the meaningful life they’ve lived has fostered a vibrant legacy rooted in faith, family, and genuine care that will continue to thrive for generations to come.
What core values do you hope to pass on to your loved ones?
The most important values are work ethic and treating your customers right. It’s not just about chasing the bottom dollar—it’ s about doing the job well and with integrity. A strong work ethic is something that’s getting lost today, and I’d like to see that come back in the next generation.
You’ve got to be positive, keep things simple, and move on.
When have you felt you made a lasting impact on someone’s life?
We gave a Christmas tree to a woman one year, and she came back the next year just to pay it forward. I think that stuck with her. We’ve also had families build traditions here—coming when they first got married, then bringing their kids, and now their grandkids. That kind of generational impact tells me we’re doing something right.
Reflecting on your challenges or setbacks, what key lessons have you learned, and how have they shaped you?
I’ve learned to never give up—just keep moving forward. Things might look like the end of the world in the moment, but there’s always a brighter side. Even at 88, I still think, “What more can we do? How can we do it better?” That mindset keeps me going, even when things are tough.
How do you want to be remembered by family and friends?
I want people to say that I was a good guy, that I treated people well, and that I loved my family. I think the younger guys in the industry look up to me—they come pick my brain because they value what I’ve learned. Over 40 years, we’ve had a lot of young people work here and go on to successful lives, and many have come back to thank me. That’s the kind of legacy I’d like to leave.
What are the traditions you consider essential to preserve and pass on to future generations?
Celebrating Christmas with a real tree—that’s a big one. It’s not just about the tree; it’s about celebrating the birth of Christ and being together as a family. That tradition ties into the important values of faith, family, and memory-making.
How do you encourage open conversations about values, ethics, and morals within your family?
It’s always been understood that family is where you talk about those things. We don’t hold punches. If something’s off, we address it. If there’s a win, we celebrate it together. Everyone takes on parts of the farm and works toward one goal. Being good stewards of the farm teaches values just by doing.
Are there specific stories from your past that illustrate the values you hold dear?
I think back to when we were in Missouri and started dreaming up the Christmas tree farm on a napkin. We were looking for something meaningful to do in retirement, and it became much more than that. My dad worked us hard growing up, and I swore I wouldn’t go back to farming—but here we are, just in a different way. That speaks to sticking with something meaningful and building it with family.
In what ways do you hope your actions will influence others?
I hope what we do here influences other growers to aim for success with integrity. We’re in a pretty narrow field, but I’d like to think we’ve helped others raise the bar. Whether it’s the way we serve customers or how we train young workers, I hope it sets a good example. And I hope people see that you can do things the right way and still make it work.
What advice do you have for future generations about living a meaningful life?
Do what you love and want to work at. Life is what you make it—it can be a problem, or it can be a joy. Even when doing what you love, hard times will come, but it’s how you handle them that matters. You don’t ignore problems; you face them and move on.
When you think about the legacy you wish to leave behind, what is the most important gift or lesson you hope to pass on?
I want the farm to be there for the next generation, if they choose it, and I want them to carry on the values of honesty, customer service, and offering a good product. I think we give more than we charge for, and that’s part of why people keep coming back. You stand behind your service and treat people right. You gotta wanna. That makes all the difference.
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