By: Shauna Devlin
Posted In: News
Photo credit: Shauna Devlin
John Wood, among his organic essentials. Wood is standing near the fresh fruits and vegetables which he adamently suggests is the best way to start eating healthier.
Overwhelmed by corporate and non health conscious supermarket chains? John Wood, presiding manager of Harvest Natural Foods in Newport, R.I. says it really is the people who make his store so successful.
After managing restaurants for over nine years in the Manchester, New Hampshire area, Wood jumped at the chance to fill in the place of the previous owners of Harvest. Working hand in hand with his wife’s remarkable knowledge of the organic food business, they were able to fulfill both of their dreams by moving to the city by the sea and doing exactly what they do best. Helping people. Previously located next to the Tennis Hall of Fame, Harvest has been a staple of Newport commerce for twenty-five years now, but only in the last four has it gained the noteworthy success it exceedingly deserves. John Wood On the Business: “I don’t find myself having to compete against the larger chain stores, the big chains can carry the same products at cheaper prices but this isn’t always the case. Usually those specialty areas of the store may not always be maintained and be a mess. More importantly, people have a need for information. We know our products, along with the diet and health knowledge essential to giving customers the best service they can receive.” Road to Success: “Every person that enters Harvest is greeted, and every employee goes out of their way to provide service. People can forget the basics even when it comes to being open and friendly, especially corporations who are dealing with staffing and turnover details. I know all of my customers by name, and all of their likes and dislikes. If someone needs more information on a product and we don’t already know it, we do the research. If someone needs to special order any product we do that for them. I get to know each person and their family members too. This is a family business where I have been privileged enough to watch children as they grow. The children that also come into the store are a dynamic that we only want to appreciate and help grow. We can all forget that kids are people too.” On the Job: “My favorite and least favorite parts of the job/business are the people. I love the fact that the store is a second home to so many people and the conversations are begun instantly, complete with every name. What can be difficult are the expectations and prejudgments people carry as the come into the store. These people usually already come in discouraged after not finding or getting the help they needed at other stores. They already expect us to carry every product that we may not have at that moment. What is important to remember is that we just want to take care of them.” Why?: “I feel it is a worthwhile experience to shop at my store for three reasons.1. Health, eating healthy only makes you feel better
2. The Environment, you can attain an atmosphere unlike any other
3. The Future, we all want to leave something for our children. There is an Iroquois saying that “For every decision you make, you impact seven generations.” It doesn’t surprise me that some people are unaware that natural food stores even exist, conventional stores can carry more of a selection. The people who are indifferent and don’t care to explore are intimidated by unconventional ways. But by stressing service we can remove this obstacle and provide people with more information and awareness.” Essentiality: “If you want to try eating healthier, start simple. Don’t go overboard and try alternatives to the things you enjoy the most. One of the most important things you can do is incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet and even more importantly, cook. I cannot stress the importance and the world of difference you will feel after eating a prepared home cooked meal to fast food. I feel that people are naturally going to become more aware of the importance of healthy eating because the media is finally starting to show us the negatives of many of our unhealthy habits. The more information that is available, the better people can inform and start to help themselves. Eating organic foods makes you feel better in every aspect, from the environment you shop in, to how to feel in your day to day life. What could be better than treating yourself to what you deserve?”
