Ray's Family Farm

Ray's Farm Stand Display
at The Big E 2011

Most people have horror stories about their first job, but I absolutely love mine. I grew up working at Ray’s Family Farm. It’s not solely the line of work, the people or the experience and knowledge you gain – it is the entire chemistry of the place that makes it so enjoyable. I started in 2007 as a freshman in high school and have been there ever since.

I became personally invested in the business, taking on responsibilities far beyond what was required. Apart from my normal work duties of assisting customers and maintaining plant and produce inventory, I am in charge of hiring and training employees, managing the work schedule, supervising customer and client orders and tracking gift certificate credit.

Over the past few years I composed a binder full of essential organizational materials for my co-workers and boss. I created time off request forms, weekly schedules, inventory list forms, checklists for opening and closing and a worker’s manual. Although keeping the workplace organized is a group effort, the work I put in has updated the business management significantly.

Through this job at Ray’s Family Farm I have not only gained a vast knowledge of plants, but also valuable communication, customer service and leadership skills. Ray’s has also given me plenty of opportunities to exercise my talents and knowledge in the form design and marketing. 

At the stand we frequently utilize point-of-purchase displays as well as guerrilla and cause marketing. I have learned the importance of a quality display and good signage. In addition, I designed the gift certificate and have set up numerous native produce and plant displays, including competitive exhibits at The Big E.

Gift Certificate Design

Out of everything I have learned and brought to this business, the greatest accomplishment I have achieved has been increasing communication between management and employees. During the height of the season, we have about 15 employees. In recent years, there has been a significant improvement on relaying important information during shift changes as well as everyone knowing what their tasks are and how to execute them as expected.  

Now that I am assimilating into the world of marketing and communications through internships and finishing my undergraduate degree, my time at Ray’s is beginning to come to an end. It is bittersweet, but I plan to keep my foot in the door as long as possible. After all, “Family” is in the name for a reason.