This week, we’re excited to highlight another long-time Stoltzfus Meats employee! Chris is the general manager of our market stands at the New Castle Farmers Market in New Castle, DE. He oversees all five of our stands: meat, poultry, salads, bakery, and juice. I’ll let him try to explain more about what he does!
Q: How long have you been with Stoltzfus Meats and in what roles?
A: June 2021 was 33 years with Stoltzfus Meats. I started when I was 14 years old as a market clerk. I actually met my wife while we were both working at market in the late 1980s. In 1993, I became manager at Booth’s Corner Farmers Market when that was still under the Stoltzfus Meats umbrella. I helped at the plant doing curing, deliveries, and worked at market on the weekends. At that time, I was the only person who worked in the cure department since we only did bone-in hams and ham shanks. It only took about 4 to 5 hours a week to cure all of our products. Compare that to now when we have multiple employees who work in the cure room full-time. In 2014, I stepped back from my responsibilities at Booth’s Corner and worked mainly at the plant. In the spring of 2016, I moved to the general manager position at our New Castle Farmers Market stands.
Chris working at the plant location in the late 1980s.
Q: What does a typical market day look like for you?
A: It varies from day to day. I usually get there between 5 to 7 in the morning to help with whatever needs done and get things set up for the day. I help cut meat when needed and fill in wherever needed. I take care of issues as they arise and am responsible for much of the hiring at market. I review pricing of our products and work with the salesman from our vendors.
Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: Seeing things run smoothly, seeing well-displayed and well-stocked showcases, having customers happy with their market experience.
Chris and the Christmas market crew in December 2019.
Q: What is your favorite Stoltzfus Meats product?
A: There are so many! Our bacon and our fresh-squeezed orange juice from our juice stand at market. The gourmet stuffed chicken breasts are phenomenal.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: What I enjoy the most is spending time at the Outer Banks with my family. I’m also an avid big game hunter, which is something my daughter and I enjoy doing together. I enjoy going out west and seeing the landscapes and vast areas of the wild west.
Chris brings so much energy to his role as general manager of our New Castle stands, which is perfect for the busy, fast-paced nature of market work! We are so thankful for his attention to detail and the high standards he sets for our market operations. Stoltzfus Meats is very grateful for Chris and the role he has played in the company for many years!