An Unforgettable Friendly Face

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANDREA HAINES | A GENERAL HUNT FOR THE DEFINITION OF “LEADERSHIP” FINDS YOUTHESE DESCRIPTIONS: STRONG COMMUNICATION, PASSION AND COMMITMENT, POSITIVITY, ANDCOLLABORATION.

A visit to The Harvest Barn Country Market in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to have a chat with the market’s owner, Paul D. Baumgardner, reminded me of a few of those key descriptions. What I found was a positive, friendly face; a man that makes you feel like you’ve known him for years. It was apparent to me, observing for just a short while, the excitement and general interest he took in each visitor crossing the market’s threshold.

A once acclaimed dairy farmer from Emmitsburg, Maryland, Paul is now heavily invested in the operations of the market. “I milked cows for some time,” he explains. The farm has changed a good bit since his grandfather John Baumgardner began in 1914. “I then moved on to the [retail] hay business, beef raising, and farming produce. It was through this transition that I gained the most businesses relationships.” Collaboration is a strong business trait for the farmer. He’s learned this by serving on many boards over the years, specifically MidAtlantic Farm Credit’s Board of Directors.

Paul has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Vice Chairman, and member of the audit committee for MidAtlantic Farm Credit. “The first two to three years on the board, you learn to listen,” he says with a grin, reflecting on his induction in 2005. “Offering input when needed, but sharing that open communication between members is important. The role of a director is an honor and to be taken seriously. After all we are the voice of the fellow farmers that entrust their livelihoods and investments.” Paul describes his experiences on the board to be positive and innovative. “We always went to these ‘learning sessions’, and I would come back to my own business pumped up and ready to apply what I had learned,” he shares. “It’s encouraging and a privilege to be surrounded by like-minded and smart people. I know it’s what has helped me grow over the years.”

In similar suit, Farm Credit loan officers also offer this type of resource to customers. “Our loan officer is Mary Jane Roop. She’s just as invested in seeing us succeed as we are,” claims Paul, referring to the market. “The customer service is commendable,” explains Chad Knox, market manager and Paul’s stepson. He and his wife, Sarah, who handles all of the barn’s marketing, have learned a lot from both resources. “Working closely with both our loan officer and Paul has nourished interest in our future. I look at what he [Paul] has done and am excited to take on the role of the next generation.”

Paul keeps everyone in the loop when it comes to business decisions. Working alongside his wife, Susie, he encourages the ideas of market personnel and family just like he does with younger members on the Farm Credit board. “We have full time employee Kelly Wivell at the barn. She handles most of the day-to-day needs of our customers,” he says. “The atmosphere for business is essentially the same, working together, managing risk, developing innovative avenues to reach customers.”

Speaking of branching out to the consumer, The Harvest Barn Country Market was established this past summer, reconstituting an old antique barn into a “farm to table” market where customers can find fresh and local products. “What we don’t grow ourselves, we outsource from local farms,” says Paul. The barn is located in the heart of “antique country” where out-of-state shoppers can pop in for a snack or special gift, or locals can frequent for the “deal of the day” to place atop their kitchen tables. “Our daily deal is made up of products that would essentially make a meal,” shares Sarah. “It allows our customers a chance to easily prepare a meal with what we are offering seasonally.”

This business venture is another example of the experience Paul has gained over the years. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m still surprised by some things that work within business, I’m always learning. That may come as a surprise to some of the younger members of the board,” Paul says with a chuckle. “I’ve hit, what you would call the ‘vintage stage’ serving more as an advisor to new members.” One thing is for sure, whether you see him at a meeting or in his element at the farm, he’s adorned with that unforgettable, friendly face.

THE HARVEST BARN COUNTRY MARKET IS WHERE CONSUMERS GO TO LEARN A LITTLE ABOUT AGRICULTURE AND TAKE FRESH, LOCAL PRODUCTS HOME. THE BAKERY CASE OFFERS SWEET TREATS TO HUNGRY SHOPPERS WHILE THEY BROWSE THROUGH LOCAL HANDMADE GIFTS. YOUNGER GUESTS CAN ENJOY THE OLD FASHIONED CANDY BOOTH. VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT HARVESTBARNCOUNTRYMARKET.COM FOR A LIST OF VENDORS AND PRODUCTS OFFERED.