If you’ve ever spent a summer night under the stars at ApCal Rock’n Ranch, screamed your lungs out at Raisin Hell Ranch, or admired the trees at MegaFlora Tree Farms, then you already know Darren Schmall doesn’t just run a business—he builds unforgettable experiences. Now the rest of the Valley knows it too. We’re excited to share that The Pizza Farm Agri-tainment Company has been named Madera County’s 2025 Small Business of the Year by the Valley Community Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Out of thousands of businesses across four counties, only four were honored—and Darren’s was one of them. That puts this recognition in the top 1% of all small businesses in our region. Pretty amazing. This award isn’t just about business success. It’s about resilience, innovation, and local impact. Darren’s journey—from launching an agriculture education program for kids in 1993 (yes, The Pizza Farm started as a literal farm where kids could learn where their food came from)—to now running a 40-acre agri-tainment empire—is nothing short of inspiring. With the help of the SBDC (especially Director Richard Mostert), Darren relocated and scaled up his business during the pandemic. And we’re not talking small moves here—ApCal Rock’n Ranch went from fitting 1,000 people to over 6,000! That’s huge for concerts, events, and festivals in the Valley. And if you’ve dared to visit Raisin Hell Ranch, you’re not alone—attendance shot up 30% last year. It’s now officially ranked the #3 scariest haunted attraction in California. (Let’s be honest, if you made it through the cornfield last fall, you’ve earned a medal.) But it’s not just fun and games—Darren is also making waves in agriculture with MegaFlora Tree Farms, the exclusive Western U.S. grower of a fast-growing, eco-friendly shade tree. It’s that perfect mix of entertainment and sustainability that makes his company stand out. At the National SBDC Day Luncheon on March 19, Darren received more than just an award—he got a standing ovation from the community and recognition from California state legislators. Assemblymembers David Tangipa, Alexandra Macedo, and Esmeralda Soria, along with Senators Shannon Grove and Anna Caballero, all honored Darren’s contributions. In his own words, “This recognition is incredibly important to me because it reflects our shared journey—overcoming obstacles like the pandemic to create something extraordinary for our community.” We couldn’t agree more. Darren, congratulations from all of us at FresYes. Your passion, grit, and vision for what’s possible in the Central Valley continue to inspire us. Whether it’s live music, spooky thrills, or a new way to plant shade trees—your work helps shape the culture and community we’re proud to call home. Want to see photos from the award celebration? Check them out here: Photo Set 1 Photo Set 2 Cheers to Darren, the SBDC, and to dreaming big—right here in the Valley. – The FresYes Insider Team ...read more read less