For my fourth blog post I thought that it would be nice to travel back to Ferrisburgh, Vermont. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Champlain Valley, Ferrisburgh is home to a very successful, family business that will leave your taste buds begging for more. This growing business is known as Dakin Farm.
History:
In 1792 Timothy Dakin decided to build a small house in Ferrisburgh, Vermont. This is where he would own and operate a small farm. He would attempt to sell his version of Vermont's famous maple syrup. Mr. Dakin was quite successful at what he did.
Nearly, two hundred years later Timothy Dakin's farmhouse was bought by Air National Guard Pilot, Sam Cutting III. Along with buying the house, Mr. Cutting purchased the roadside stand that Mr. Dakin would sell his maple products from.
Nearly, two hundred years later Timothy Dakin's farmhouse was bought by Air National Guard Pilot, Sam Cutting III. Along with buying the house, Mr. Cutting purchased the roadside stand that Mr. Dakin would sell his maple products from.
Using the name that Timothy Dakin had used, Dakin Farm Maple Market, Mr. Cutting attempt to keep the small business running. According to Mr. Cutting, The best way to keep the business running was to continue to make maple syrup the way Mr. Dakin had. However, he also knew that in order to have a successful business, he had to add more to his shelves than just maple products. With this idea in mind Mr. Cutting decided to put some of the secret farm recipe's to use. This is when he started to slow smoke meets under a corn cob fire. This created a flavor that was unlike any other.
Modern Day:
As most of you have guessed, Dakin Farm Maple Market (now shortened to Dakin Farm) is a very successful business. The owner, Sam Cutting IV has taken Dakin Farm to new heights. They are now offering products such as jams, jellies, fudge, dips, pies, as well as their famous cob smoked meats.
Due to the success that they have had over the past fifty years or so, they have begun to open new locations. One of these new locations is in the same shopping center as Barns and Noble in South Burlington. In my opinion, I would check it out if I were you.
Marketing Strategy:
As far as the marketing strategy goes, Dakin Farm is in good hands. There owner, Sam Cutting IV was a graduate of UVM with a degree in marketing. He uses multiple marketing strategies to create more profit for his business. For example, there website offers an online chat, where customers are able to talk to an individual that works in the distribution center. This way any opinions, or questions can be told or asked in order for the customer to buy what they want.
Also, with the ability to buy online, as well as in the store, customers can receive packages from Dakin Farm across the world. The only question is, how would someone in California know about a Vermont product like this? How would someone someone in China know? The answer is simple; either Google it, or word of mouth. I know that a growing company can not just rely on word of mouth, so Dakin Farms has a program that helps with that. It is call the sampler. During holidays, they will allow customers to ship out baskets with certain products out to loved ones around the globe. In fact, they will ship it for you. Of course the costumer has to pay for the basket, but the usual response from individuals that are not from the state is, "Send us more!"
As a matter of fact, my family sent a sampler basket to a family in Rhode Island. I met there daughter through college and two days after they received the basket I got a call. It was their daughter tell me, "That was the best bacon I have ever tasted! I need more!"
Conclusion:
By the sounds of it, Dakin Farms is going to be in business for awhile. As long as that smokey taste is there, the customers will be there. Packages containing Dakin Farm meat, maple syrup, and other goodies will be sent around the globe. It may take awhile, but I could see this company expanding all across New England, the U.S., and maybe the world.
Information Received From:
http://www.dakinfarm.com/History.dlp
Pictures Received From:
Dakin Farm Sample 1: http://www.dakinfarm.com/Dakin-Farm-Samplers.html
Dakin Farm Sample 2: http://www.theferrisburghlist.com/shop/dakin-farms
Dakin Farm Sign: http://exploreall50.com/2013/06/dakin-farms-ferrisburgh/
Due to the success that they have had over the past fifty years or so, they have begun to open new locations. One of these new locations is in the same shopping center as Barns and Noble in South Burlington. In my opinion, I would check it out if I were you.
Marketing Strategy:
As far as the marketing strategy goes, Dakin Farm is in good hands. There owner, Sam Cutting IV was a graduate of UVM with a degree in marketing. He uses multiple marketing strategies to create more profit for his business. For example, there website offers an online chat, where customers are able to talk to an individual that works in the distribution center. This way any opinions, or questions can be told or asked in order for the customer to buy what they want.
Also, with the ability to buy online, as well as in the store, customers can receive packages from Dakin Farm across the world. The only question is, how would someone in California know about a Vermont product like this? How would someone someone in China know? The answer is simple; either Google it, or word of mouth. I know that a growing company can not just rely on word of mouth, so Dakin Farms has a program that helps with that. It is call the sampler. During holidays, they will allow customers to ship out baskets with certain products out to loved ones around the globe. In fact, they will ship it for you. Of course the costumer has to pay for the basket, but the usual response from individuals that are not from the state is, "Send us more!"
As a matter of fact, my family sent a sampler basket to a family in Rhode Island. I met there daughter through college and two days after they received the basket I got a call. It was their daughter tell me, "That was the best bacon I have ever tasted! I need more!"
Conclusion:
By the sounds of it, Dakin Farms is going to be in business for awhile. As long as that smokey taste is there, the customers will be there. Packages containing Dakin Farm meat, maple syrup, and other goodies will be sent around the globe. It may take awhile, but I could see this company expanding all across New England, the U.S., and maybe the world.
Information Received From:
http://www.dakinfarm.com/History.dlp
Pictures Received From:
Dakin Farm Sample 1: http://www.dakinfarm.com/Dakin-Farm-Samplers.html
Dakin Farm Sample 2: http://www.theferrisburghlist.com/shop/dakin-farms
Dakin Farm Sign: http://exploreall50.com/2013/06/dakin-farms-ferrisburgh/
