Rooted in strong family values and commitment to their rural community, Bierschwale Land Co. has evolved from a small-town appraisal business to a trusted name in rural property valuation. The family embraces entrepreneurship as a means to lead a fulfilling life within their cherished community.

Watch their full interview here, and watch interview highlights here.

Family Values and Agricultural Roots:

Bierschwale Appraisals was founded in 1982 by Paul Bierschwale '75. The goal, then and now, is to provide a living for their family in rural Texas. "'My momma taught so that my daddy could ranch’ is what he always said,” Paul relates, pointing out that the rocky hills of Kimble County are not ideal for production agriculture. The decision to move away from the family’s long history of sheep and cattle ranching came from a desire to build something better for his new family.

Paul knew that there would be a growing need for quality appraisal work on complex projects as “production agriculture” evolved to encompass more than just row crops and cattle farms. After working in Fort Worth for five years under a mentor, he knew that these projects required travel no matter where the business was based. He set out to build an appraisal office in his hometown of Junction, TX.

The company provided a living for his wife, Debbie, and their two sons. Justin '02 and Aaron '99 grew up working with ranchers all over Kimble County, gaining an appreciation for the community and what it took to earn a living in their hometown. Both attended Texas A&M University and are “survivors” of Dr. Ed Rister’s Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, in which Justin met his wife, Carmen Barrows Bierschwale ’02. Justin went on to earn a Master of Real Estate through Texas A&M's Mays Business School. Upon graduation, the boys started their professional careers as real estate agents under different mentors for a few years before returning home.

Once all three families were back in Junction, Bierschwale Land Co. LLC was established. The company has expanded to three owners and five employees, with five of the eight team members being “survivors” of Dr. Rister’s program. The family has grown to include five grandchildren, all raised in Junction working on the family ranch. Through hard work and a strong commitment to their family and business, Paul, Aaron, and Justin have been able to preserve the key elements of their lifestyle, ensuring their children can appreciate and carry them forward.

Establishing a unique Appraisal Practice:

From the beginning, Bierschwale Land Co. sought rural appraisal work rather than focusing on the residential sector. Justin explains that while around 80% of the population lives in urban areas, these spaces make up only about 2% of the landmass. In residential property work, appraisers can rely on vast data sets to evaluate properties. In rural appraisal, however, there are fewer comparable sales, and this scarcity becomes even more challenging when working on unique projects like naval aviation bases or show caverns. Paul says that “there is an industrial aspect of agriculture as well that we wanted to concentrate on, and we have been very fortunate to have been somewhat pioneers in that arena.”

To his knowledge, Paul was the first appraiser to try and put a price on hydroponic farming systems. Because of this, when they were first taking off in Texas, he became the go-to name for any questions and work relating to the industry. Aaron has taken over consulting for an agriculture investment firm. The publicly traded firm owns 12 farms in the panhandle and a few more in the valley. Aaron is responsible for providing quarterly updates on the value of these investments to their board of directors.

Similarly, developing a niche as an expert in the energy sector. Justin is one of the leaders in wind farm evaluation. When wind farms were first taking off, he got involved in a few one-off jobs. His quality appraisals soon resulted in many doors opening for the company.

Doing high quality appraisal work is one of the pillars of the business. Justin recalls a conversation with Paul, saying how exhausting it can be to do all the research needed to put a price on something like wind power, especially when it's a one-time project. As it turns out, that project got the business national recognition as leaders in valuating renewable energy. Following best practices and putting time into in-depth data analysis are what got them to where they are today.

Professional and Community Involvement:

Another pillar of the business has to do with giving back. All three owners had influential mentors early in their careers who shaped their career paths, and all three have a desire to help shape the future of the field. Paul first got involved with the American Society of Farm Managers Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) early on and helped set the standards for their certification. He served as the Texas chapter president and went on to become the national president. ASFMRA also introduced him to teaching continuing education through which he has traveled the country teaching courses. “You will get far more than you give,” Paul points out that public speaking was a personal weakness and now he has taught every course ASFMRA has to offer.

Following Paul’s path, Justin began teaching early on in his career. He eventually became the chairman of the Appraisal Education and Accreditation Committee, working to build coursework and provide up-to-date continuing education for appraisers across the nation. His work led him to be appointed as the lead author of ASFMRA’s textbook, “Valuing Rural America: Foundations of Data Analyses,” covering best practices. After two long years of research and writing, the book was published in 2019.

Both Paul and Justin have been inducted into the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry. The registry exists to honor graduates of the department who have distinguished themselves through their accomplishments and integrity of character. You can learn more about Paul's journey and Justin's journey.

Carmen Bierschwale ’02, the company manager, also got involved. She remains the secretary and treasurer for the Texas Chapter of the ASFMRA. Her duties include organizing continuing education opportunities for members and planning the yearly meetings amongst other responsibilities. Together with Justin, they offer continuing education in Junction, welcoming students from across the nation into their hometown.

The company maintains that they have received tenfold what they have given to the community and their professional organizations. The name recognition, networking opportunities, and lifelong friendships that have developed from these efforts are key elements in the success of the business and ties to their fundamental values of family and community.

Looking Forward:

With the family’s next generation nearing college age, the Bierschwales are preparing for a new chapter, embracing both their legacy and future opportunities in appraisal. Thanks to hard work, dedication, and a close-knit family, the business is in a comfortable position and prepared to continue operating as one of the top appraisal offices in the nation. As they look ahead, the family stands ready to carry forward their values into whatever sector or challenge comes next.

This National Entrepreneurship Month, we salute the Bierschwale family and Bierschwale Land Co. for their direct impact on their rural community and their influence on rural communities nationwide. Through their leadership, they are inspiring and equipping future generations of rural appraisers with valuable education and mentorship.