Jan 27 2025 54 mins 1
When Bill Brinkerhoff and his wife stumbled upon a unique store model during a college drop-off trip, they had no idea it would lead them to transform an abandoned gas station into a revolutionary market that's paid out over $22 million to local farms.
In this episode, discover how Argus Farm Stop flipped the traditional retail model on its head, giving farmers 70% of sales and complete control over pricing, and hear how they navigated legal battles over egg sales (and won!), and why farmers are actually moving TO their county instead of leaving.
From University of Michigan athletes using special cards to buy local produce, to working with state officials to change laws, this conversation reveals how a "crazy experiment" became a blueprint for transforming local food systems across America. Plus, find out the surprising connection between gas station architecture and the perfect farmers market layout.
Whether you're a food entrepreneur, farmer, or someone who cares about building stronger local food systems, this episode shows how rethinking traditional models can create lasting change - and sustainable profits - for small farms.
Connect with Argus:
Website: Argus Farm Stop
Instagram: @argusfarmstop
Facebook: Argus Farm Stop
Learn About the Farm Stop Conference!
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