107 Jon Blin: farmer and seedstock producer turned bowling proprietor
Former farmer and seedstock producer turned bowling proprietor, Jon Blin hails from Independence, Iowa, where he spent the majority of his life. Despite a brief stint in Stillwater attending Oklahoma State University, Jon's heart remained in Iowa where he established his own Hereford herd under the name JJB Cattle Company.
In 2010, Jon met his wife Crystal, and their shared passion for agriculture, marketing, and youth development in the ag industry has been a driving force in their lives. However, their journey took an unexpected turn in the winter of 2021 when Jon was diagnosed with Spindle Cell Sarcoma, which is currently in remission.
Despite this challenge, Jon and Crystal embarked on a new adventure in the summer of 2021, purchasing the local bowling alley with the unwavering support of their mastermind group. By January 2022, the purchase was complete, marking a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey. As they balanced their new business venture with their cattle operation, Jon and Crystal faced tough decisions and ultimately made the difficult choice to sell their farm and cattle. Within a remarkably short period, they successfully sold both, transitioning to a new chapter while remaining active in agriculture through their ownership of 60 acres and support for the local 4-H auction at their county fair.