When we first started selling at the Conway Farmers Market in 2021, we were not sure what the impact on our business would be. As it turns out, retail selling in the market became a good chunk of our business. The only problem was that it only ran from April to September.
In my previous career, I worked at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. During his time there, I met Brian Porterfield, owner of Haynes Ace Hardware. Over time, we got to know each other through various chamber events and activities. After my time at the chamber was complete, I started teaching baseball lessons to bridge the income gap until Barham’s Ozark Beef could provide more financial support (I am still teaching lessons, by the way!). One of my first customers was Brian’s oldest son, who loved the game and wanted to learn more about the fundamentals. It was then I got to know Brian’s wife Marilyn and their youngest son. I have enjoyed getting to know their entire family!
During these lessons, Brian and I would spend time talking about business. Our conversations would sometimes last as long as the lesson! The idea of Barham’s Ozark Beef setting up at Haynes Ace Hardware began during these talks. In late Fall of 2022, we gave it a shot. Early on, it was a little slow. Customers at Ace were not sure about this random beef guy they had never seen before. Sales were only a fraction of what we would get at the Conway Farmers Market. The weather was crazy, too! I would set up in freezing temperatures, high winds, and light rain. Over time, the consistency started to pay off as sales, and trust, began to increase.
Fast forward to 2024, this is the first year that Barham’s Ozark Beef set up nearly every Saturday from October through April. Instead of the expected dip in sales after the Conway Farmers Market season was completed, we saw an increase in sales. This could not have come at a better time with the introduction of the Beef Snob Snacks Sticks. The upfront costs of launching a new product can be overwhelming. Between the strong sales numbers at Ace and the selling of our small freezer trailer, we have been able to stomach the cost of bringing the new product to market. Of course, Haynes Ace Hardware was one of the first to sign on as a wholesaler of Beef Snob Snack Sticks!
Businesses do not grow on their own. It takes input, advice, support, and open doors from others to take an idea from concept to success. We certainly do not think of Barham’s Ozark Beef as a success, yet. But we believe we are on our way thanks to friendships like the one we have with the Porterfield’s. Their willingness to allow us to set up outside the front door of Haynes Ace Hardware over the past three years has been a game changer for us.
The Conway Farmers Market opens next Saturday, April 20. That means this Saturday, April 13, is the last time we will set up at Haynes Ace Hardware until October. This has caused me to reflect on the impact having a location to set up during the “off season” has had on our family business. To Brian and Marilyn Porterfield and the entire team at Haynes Ace Hardware, the Linck’s and the Barham’s thank you for your support and partnership over the years. Please know you have had an enormous impact on our small, farm-to-table beef operation. THANK YOU!!!