Serving Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's Counties in Maryland
Gerrie LHeureux has been working with Wynne Briscoe of the Small Business Development Center since April 2017 from the beginning stages of business planning to the grand opening events. We are focusing on the strategic marketing, growth and expansion of the business.
"When I first met Gerrie and learned the vision of Shepherds Old Field Market (SOFM) and reviewed the beautiful concept sketches, I realized this project would be a huge undertaking. I never doubted it was possible with a lot of hard work. The old building she wanted to use was rundown and an eyesore to the neighboring residential community. I knew if this project was successful, it would not only enrich the Town of Leonardtown, but also positively impact the local residential and small business community.
SOFM offers an affordable commercial presence to many home-based Entrepreneurs, Crafters, Artisans, Farmers and a gathering place for the community. A true reflection of the remarkably eclectic talent we have in St. Mary's County" says Wynne Briscoe, Small Business Development Center Business Consultant.
Ms. Briscoe met with Mrs. LHeureux often and was on site offering hands-on consulting sometimes multiple times a week especially leading up to the soft opening in July and the grand opening in September. Frequently you would find Wynne offering professional advice to many of the merchants and shop owners within Shepherds Old Field Market. Wynne is also working with Gerrie's son, Raphael on the business planning and start up process for the future Brudergarten which will be a fun community hotspot within SOF Market.
Wynne stated, "When each merchant is successful individually, then as a collective and collaborative unit the Market is successful as a whole. We need to see more collaboration locally and globally. When the tide comes in, all boats rise. Shepherds Old Field Market is truly an example of what was once a dormant abandoned eyesore, is now a community marketplace on the rise! I love the amazing energy of SOFM. We had a great turnout for the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, September 21st with visits from the Leonardtown Officials and Peter Franchot, Comptroller of Maryland. Over 650 people attended the Grand Opening on Saturday, September 22nd. I was there both days and amazed to see so many people excited and celebrating along with us to see this great vision come into fruition.”
“Wynne Briscoe from SBDC was a tremendous help from the first visit. She asked many probing questions that prompted me to think of issues I had never thought of in putting my vision and business into plan. Alternatives were suggested that I had not considered. This also gave me a clearer path to take. She followed up to keep me on track and made many suggestions that helped me tremendously. Wynne made visits to the build out on several occasions and made helpful comments. She followed through on answers that I owed to her and helped in the setup of my (QuickBooks) POS. She went the extra mile spending her day off on Grand Opening day refining processes and listing things and actions I was missing. I couldn’t have done it without SBDC and Wynne’s extra care and preserve me!” - Gerrie LHeureux, Shepherds Old Field Market
“I am excited for this new opportunity for farmers to participate in a Farmers Market in Leonardtown” -Donna Sasser, St. Mary's County Department of Economic Development Agriculture & Seafood Manager
“It’s a great reuse of a vacant building. It adds vibrant activity in an area of Town that has been struggling for years. It’s a wonderful concept for the small vendors that would not be able to open in a space on their own. Having a cashier for all vendors is brilliant, all vendors don’t have to be there and cover each individual store. They can share the hours needed to be open. Kudos to Gerrie!” - Daniel Burris, Leonardtown Mayor.
“Gerrie has created an amazing economic development catalyst in an up and coming area of Leonardtown. Her vision and determination are remarkable. She has created not only a much-needed community gathering space but an opportunity for many other businesses to get a jump start. It has been a pleasure watching Gerrie’s vision unfold.” - Laschelle McKay, Leonardtown Town Administrator.
If you are looking for a relief from congested malls and box stores then you will enjoy this great shopping experience, especially for those who love local and unique items.
Contact & Visit St. Mary's County newest Community Retail Marketplace:
Shepherd's Old Field Market 22725 Duke Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650 240-753-3332
www.Facebook.com/ShepherdsOldField • www.ShepherdsOldField.com
Posted: 12/07/2018