Letter to the editor: Acorn store manager stepping down
February 11, 2022
Greetings Acorn Shoppers,
When I first saw the job posting of Acorn Store Manager in October of 2020, I was still reeling from my abrupt departure from Manhattan. I had been back in Michigan for about 4 months, but as we all recall, the real-time unfolding of exactly how disruptive and calamitous the pandemic was going to be was becoming all too clear.
After we wrapped up my father's farm for the season, I took it upon myself to be the chef of the household (I don't idle well). At my stepmother's suggestion, we did all of our shopping at the small, local indoor farmers' market appropriately named Acorn. My first few trips happened when no customers were allowed inside, but I'll never forget the first time I walked in. When the business model was explained to me I couldn't believe how progressive and community serving it was. I quickly became quite fond of the workers and volunteers that would greet me so enthusiastically.
I had been considering forsaking my restaurant career pre-COVID and focusing on a more sustainable model for some time. While still looking over my shoulder at the Big Apple, I researched Acorn and my admiration grew. I read the bios of all the board members at the time, and was impressed by the width and breadth of their experience and volunteerism. I was also shocked when they announced their fundraising results ... I had never heard of a business that small raising anywhere near that much money, especially in such a short period of time. Clearly something special was happening here, the makings of the most community-endorsed project I had ever witnessed.
Returning to the Acorn Store Manager job posting, upon first glance I balked. I was not qualified in several categories. But to use a relevant metaphor, the seed was planted. I researched deeper into the partnership that was occurring in the Manchester Market rather than focus on the farmers' market aspect. I was once again impressed, this time by the partnership between the businesses, and Justin and Ken had excellent reputations. My conclusion was that what was needed more than a store manager was an "opener." I felt, as it was in the off season, that I should apply for the job and highlight the aspect of handling the transfer of the business. At that time the store was projected to open in late January (yes we can all laugh now). Acorn needed someone that could dedicate all of their attention to the move, and be readily available around the clock. My thought was that this was going to be extremely difficult, but "hey, I can do anything for a few months" (again, we can all laugh).
I was reluctant to apply until I could move into my own apartment, as I didn't want to expose my parents to COVID. I nonetheless submitted my application, and hoped some housing would pop up. I heard back that there would be two rounds of remote interviews, and I was invited to the first.
It went exceedingly well. It was nice to finally "meet" some of these dedicated board members. I left the interview feeling positive, but still not terribly optimistic. Surely there was someone in their stack of applicants that had more retail and produce experience than me! At the time I didn't know much about how a board of directors worked, and when I didn't hear back immediately I got discouraged. Especially since it came to my attention that there was an apartment for rent near the store.
My second interview went even better. The following day, the acting Chair of the board, Megan, called me to offer me the position. I was surprised, but even more shocked when I asked her about the apartment and she knew the landlord. The following day he reached out to me! So within a week I had been offered a job at an amazingly community endorsed project involving sustainability, and a nice apartment within walking distance. I was also going to be able to participate in an extremely atypical business partnership that would no doubt be an extraordinary learning experience for me. It seemed the universe was steering me into Manchester with little subtlety.
I met with Megan in December to receive the office laptop and to take my first peek into the new store. When I walked in, I was struck at how empty it was. My suspicions of a delayed opening began to stir. My "few months" prognosis was foolishly optimistic.
What happened over the next 10 months is already old news in this town. Despite many challenges, most pandemic related, we wrestled the Manchester Market and Acorn into existence. Whenever I got discouraged there was always someone there to support and spur me on, and the Acorn Board is incredible at this. I developed, and still have, a tremendous amount of respect for the many hands that made the seemingly impossible happen.
Acorn rescued me from a very purposeless quarantine, and taught me a great deal about a great many things. "A few months" turned into over a year, and I was humbled by the hard work happening all around me. When I first came to Manchester I knew almost no one, but through Acorn I met an incredible amount of people. New opportunities began to arise, and I began to feel a bit foolish for not taking them. I began to convince myself that perhaps Acorn could be the fresh start for someone else that it had been for me. When I expressed these concerns to the Board, they graciously encouraged me to do what was best for me.
I will be stepping down as acting Store Manager when we are able to find and train someone to replace me (and that I personally can't wait to meet). I appreciate the patience that everyone has shown; now it's time for a fresh brain full of ideas to take the helm. This will spur Acorn into not only its first spring and summer growing season but also the next exciting cafe and programs developments. And you will certainly catch me there often.
Thank you, truly, everyone. It's been a ride.
Kenny Frost
Store Manager, Acorn Farmers' Market and Café
Views expressed in any Letter to the Editor are always exclusively those of the author. Do you have something you want Manchester to know? Send your Letter to the Editor to themanchestermirror@gmail.com.
Kenny cuts the cake at the Grand opening of Acorn Farmers' Market and Café in October.
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