Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Sager.
Hi Bob , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I came to the Pee Dee State Farmers Market in 2019 after spending two years working with the Florence Downtown Development Corp. as a Community Development Consultant focused on recruitment of businesses to be in Downtown Florence. I moved to Florence in 2007 to manage the Belk Store at Magnolia Mall with an extensive background in retail management with Federated Dept. Stores who later became Macy’s. The retail experience i had in combination with working with small retail stores in Downtown Florence gave me a good understanding of smaller retail business which is what makes up the 27 vendors we have at the Pee Dee State Farmers Markt.
The Pee Dee State Farmers Marke is one of three similar markets that I am responsible for that are owned and operated by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. At the time I was hired I was the first manager of any of the markets that had no agricultural background. Aaron Wood the Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture who had recently been given responsibly for the markets recognized the potential they had with leadership that could focus on marketing and operational challenges. Since that time the market has been the beneficiary of good support that has allowed us to make improvements in not only the physical grounds but the operation and marketing of the market. What we’ve been able to do is only the beginning of what is yet to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has actually been pretty smooth; the support I have received has allowed us to make numerous improvements and operate in a semi-autonomous way that encouraged creativity and the exploration of ideas and projects that would enhance the visitor experience at the market. Coming from the retail privet sector to then working with state government procedures and accounting reporting systems has been frustrating in that it does somewhat inhibit managing more from a business perspective than a service perspective.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The similarities to my background in retail management where every day presents new challenges is what makes may current position managing the three markets very exciting and challenging. My first priority is to always ensure that all the grounds and buildings are safe, clean and in good repair. Building a good maintenance team is very important in achieving this goal on a consistent basis. Developing a partnership with so many different types of business and entities taker time, effort and good communication skills especially good listening skills. I strive to have every vendor feel that I am a partner in helping them grow and develop their business and not just the landlord. Having recognized that many people even in Florene have not been here we spend a lot of time on planning and executing special events. Developing a younger and family customer base has directed a lot of our events to be very family Friendly. Because no one person can do all that is needed for the markets to be successful, a lot of time and communication is done to build a team at each market to reach our goals.
“Success is a function of ability, expertise, commitment and luck.”
What matters most to you?
First and foremost is my family who have moved with me several times, to who I owe a debt of gratitude to for their unwavering support of me. Secondly to try to be a person of integrity, and good character. II remember every day that “your reputation is what people think about you, and hat God and the Angles know about you.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://agriculture.sc.gov
- Facebook: Pee Dee State Farmers Market
- Other: https://vimeo.com/949934109
