® Hertzler Farm and Feed Inc.

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This is an article Powhatan Today had in our community newspaper March 5, 2003

Show Draws Local Vendors

By Darrell Elder
Staff Writer

Although it’s been a wet, cold and white winter, spring is just around the corner. It’s a time for people to get out of the house and get to work on neglected lawns, gardens, home and farm improvements and pets of all sizes.

One good way to get a jump start of these projects is to attend the first home and farm trade show ever held in Powhatan County.

Hertzler Farm and Feed, Inc. is hosting the event on April 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. It will be held on the grounds by their business at 3209 Buckingham Road, just off of Route 60.

Pat Hertzler said she and her husband, Gene, have been dreaming of such an event for many years. So far about 40 vendors and manufacturing representatives will be on hand with special deals, exhibits and information.

Hertzler said representatives from many of the vendors of the merchandise the store sells will be present.

"Some of the vendors will have specials for the day. There will also be some really cool new things." Hertzler said one manufacturer will introduce a new line of dog food. Plus, she said, there will be products that she normally does not sell in the store.

Everything including lawn tractors, chain saws, fencing, horse supplies and many, many other items and topics will be covered at the tent expo.

Hertzler said local businesses will also set up booths to share information and sell specialty items. For example, one of Hertzler’s customers who hand makes teddy bears will be there. Also a horse trailer sales representative will be present.

In addition, a local man who specializes in equine dentistry will have information available, as well as the Powhatan Cooperative Extension Service, the Goochland-Powhatan Master Gardeners and the Forestry Department.

While filling up on supplies and information, guests will also have the opportunity to fill up on barbecue. Hertzler said Turner’s Bar-be-que, of Powhatan, will be selling food.

Not only will Powhatan residents and people from neighboring counties get all of the farming, gardening and animal information they desire, their children can enjoy pony rides and an appearance by Smokey the Bear.

"We want it to be a community event. If it goes well, we’ll do it again next year." Hertzler said this is the first time in this area, that she knows of, of an event like this. "We wanted to do something different and create excitement."

Besides information booths, vendors and sales, Hertzler said a few local people will provide seminars in equine-related areas and other topics as well.

About the business

The Powhatan woman said Hertzler Farm and Feed opened its doors almost 20 years ago. She said they started the business in their old dairy farm and progressed from there.

"We were doing the dairy farm and started selling feed on the side. Then we progressed to a full-fledged business."

Hertzler described the store as a farm supply business covering feed, garden, lawn, tractors, lawn equipment, pets and wild life. She said they even carry supplies for exotic pets.

"We have monkey chow and earthworm chow." Hertzler said she has a customer that raises earthworms and one that has a monkey.

She said they stock whatever people need and if they do not carry it she will order it. Hertzler said because of the service they provide, they are set apart from the big, franchise retailers.

"We know we can’t compete with the big, box stores, so we had to decide what we wanted to be."

Hertzler said the personal service and knowing each customer is what sets them apart. She agreed that the prices do have to be competitive, but their driving force is the service.

"We have to capitalize on what makes us different and that is our service. Our customers are not just a cash sale. You’re just not going to find the service we provide at a Lowes or Home Depot."

An example of the service customers get when they shop at Hertzlers is a print out at the end of the year of what they spent for tax purposes.

Customers who approach the store for the first time often say the surroundings remind them of a little village. Hertzler said they get the feeling they are in a little country store. "If you are in the middle of a city, you can’t duplicate this. We capitalize on our own uniqueness."

Don’t let the family business lead you to believe that the Hertzlers just sit back and get whatever customers they can get. Hertzler said they are aggressive and stay at the cutting edge of technology.

The store owner has developed a web site which provides a lot of information about many different topics. There is also a bulletin board for local businesses and she is developing an e-mail club for members to receive first-hand information about new products and specials.

"Because we are farmers, we understand the business. We have had most of the animals and we were both raised on a dairy farm." Hertzler said their lifelong experiences has given her a wealth of knowledge to share with her customers.

At one point, Hertzler and her husband had to make a major business decision. They had opened a store in Amelia which they owned and operated for about five years.

At that point they had to make the tough decision whether to keep it or close it. Hertzler said they decided to close it in order to devote all of their time to the Powhatan store.

"We don’t want to become too big and although we miss our Amelia County customers, we know it was the best decision."

Hertzler said they decided to make the Powhatan store the best it could be. She said the vendors push and push them to bet bigger. "We had to stop and say what’s best for our business. Bigger isn’t always better."

Anyone interested in renting a booth at the tent expo or learning more about it may contact Hertzler at 598-4021. Also they may check out the website at www.hffinc.com or email Hertzler at hffinc@I-c.net.