From Boardroom to Sugar House—A Deloitte Partner's Sweetest Pivot

Jul 22

July 22, 2026 | 00:45| Episode 114

April Lemay, Found of April’s Maple

April Lemay's journey from a successful 17-year tenure as a partner at Deloitte to a maple sugar farmer in the remote expanse of Vermont serves as an inspiring narrative of transformation and resilience. In this podcast, I engage April in a comprehensive discussion about the remarkable transition she undertook, which was sparked by a simple dinner conversation that ignited her passion for honoring her family's legacy through the creation of April's Maple. As we delve into her experiences, she elucidates how the foundational skills acquired during her corporate career have been instrumental in establishing her flourishing business amidst the challenges of agrarian life. Notably, April emphasizes the significance of carrying forward the lessons learned in her previous career, particularly the importance of strategic decision-making and the judicious use of the word "no" in fostering sustainable growth. Throughout our conversation, April's insights into the grit required for entrepreneurship illuminate the path for those contemplating their own ventures in the face of uncertainty and change.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Conversation

The conversation delves into the remarkable transition of April Lemay, who transitioned from a successful 17-year career as a partner at Deloitte to becoming a maple sugar farmer in the tranquil and remote Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. The discussion begins with an overview of April's journey, highlighting the pivotal moment when a casual dinner conversation with her family sparked the idea of transforming inherited land into a thriving maple syrup business. This episode encapsulates the essence of entrepreneurial spirit, emphasizing how the skills April honed during her tenure at Deloitte became instrumental in her new venture. April's Maple is depicted not merely as a business but as a manifestation of her familial legacy and a tribute to her grandparents. The episode further explores the operational intricacies of running a maple syrup farm, including the challenges associated with modern-day farming and the unpredictable influence of climate on production. April elaborates on the meticulous process of tapping maple trees, focusing on the delicate balance of extracting sap while ensuring the trees' health. The narrative also touches on the technological advancements in sugaring that have allowed April to optimize her operations, such as vacuum systems that enhance sap collection. Through her experience, listeners gain insights into the complexities of agricultural entrepreneurship, underscoring the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of environmental challenges. As the conversation progresses, April shares her philosophy regarding business growth, emphasizing the importance of knowing one's limits and maintaining quality over quantity. Her decision to decline new customers during peak seasons illustrates a strategic approach to ensuring customer satisfaction—a vital lesson for any entrepreneur. Ultimately, this episode serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of following one’s passion while leveraging past experiences to navigate new challenges. April’s story resonates with anyone contemplating a significant career change, highlighting the significance of grit, family support, and the continuous pursuit of personal fulfillment in business.

Takeaways

April LeMay transitioned from a successful career at Deloitte to becoming a maple syrup farmer, showcasing her resilience and adaptability.
The conversation emphasizes that every entrepreneur must recognize and leverage their existing skills from previous experiences to build their new ventures.
April highlights the importance of knowing your limits, as she chooses to decline new customers during busy seasons to maintain quality service.
The discussion reveals that asking for help is essential; April sought guidance from an experienced sugar maker to establish her sugaring operation effectively.
April's journey demonstrates that not every opportunity is beneficial; sometimes saying no is crucial for sustainable growth.
The podcast underscores the significance of family support in entrepreneurship, illustrating how it can foster grit and perseverance in challenging times.