Logan Duvall: Taking Local to Market

About this Episode

Collier started reaching out to local businesses, starting with Geri’s Jams and Jellies. Today, the market carries produce and products from businesses such as Fennel and Fire, Teaberry Kombucha Co., and the Farm at Barefoot Bend. “It’s a lot of local people that are really, really good at what they do,” said Duvall. “We’re able to bring it all together. Our big draw is definitely produce. People come out for tomatoes more than anything else, but it’s a way to showcase some of these other people that don’t have storefronts.”

While the market no longer sells produce from the McGee garden, the family has found creative ways to create other Me and McGee products. “In produce, inevitably, there’s a ton of waste,” Duvall explained. “So, my mom and grandma decided that they wanted to try to do pickles and salsa just because we go through so many tomatoes. It just took off.”

The market is open all year, except for January, which distinguishes it from a farmer’s market. Vendors also aren’t required to be on the premises -- Me and McGee staff explains products and handles all transactions. As the market continues to grow, Duvall works to refine the focus of the market, which was a business tool he learned while working in real estate. “Really looking at what’s working and what’s not and making sure that we’re doubling down on what’s working,” Duvall explained. “The creativity and the hardwork and the sacrifice was my family. I didn’t do any of that. But just making sure we’re on the right path and we’re treating everything like a real business--that’s been the change in the past year.”