Patrick Redmond is the proud owner and operator of Father Paddy’s, a traditional Irish pub and restaurant in Woodland, CA. Opened in Spring 2015, Father Paddy’s has been serving up their “simple pub grub” fare like their famous Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers and Mash. Opening an Irish bar was always a dream for Patrick, and it all started to come together in 2014 when he reached out to the Small Business Administration (SBA) of Yolo County.

Formerly a youth minister, and after 31 years in the pool and spa business, Pat was looking to pursue his dream of owning a bar. The SBA helped him assemble a business plan and connected him to local banks to secure financing. Unfortunately, bank after bank would say no because Patrick barely missed the cut-off for restaurant experience. With his retirement savings invested into making this a success, Pat chuckles thinking back on this time: “My accountant called me crazy to try this – and you’d have to be.”

Discouraged, Pat was introduced to Megan Price, our Business Services Consultant. “Megan said ‘If anyone can do it, Yolo Federal can do it. Let’s figure this out.’” Only a few months later, work had begun to remodel what was originally the Yolo County Savings Bank on Main St. into Father Paddy’s. “I’m still in awe every day I walk in here,” he remarks looking around the room.

Humbly, he owes this accomplishment and gratitude to his staff. “I’m the first one in and the last one to leave at night, but it’s my team that has really made this a success. As a business owner, I’m not working for myself; I’m working for my employees. They’re more important than I am.”

Almost two years later, Pat reflects on the process: “Yolo Federal took on the challenge. They saw that I could make this work…and look at us now.” Asked if he’d change anything if he did it again, he laughs “Not at all. I’ve taken care of people all my life. I spent 24 years as a youth minister and have been active in Woodland. Being a part of the community is just as important to make this a success.”

Between sampling new ciders, Pat says “I know we’re going to make it. We’ve been successful. It’s a lot of work, but look at what we’ve done.”

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