Randy states, “Upon reflection at the end of my thirteen years at Three Rivers Market, it almost parallels how my work life began. Although the present conditions of our times are different, the common similarity to my past has much to do with our community.

I became employed at the age of sixteen at a store where my father was employed as a butcher, very similar in size to TRM.  The town of Arnold, Missouri, was just south of St. Louis, and was surrounded by farming communities, mostly German. My father, Louis Arnold, was well known in that community partly because the town was named after his grandparents, but also, he developed a reputation as the town butcher and knew many of the people and their families who had emigrated to this community. The majority of people who shopped there were hard working middle class people, teachers, skilled trade people, firemen, many who would seek Louie’s expertise, or just share what was happening with their families.

My father’s social proclivities are innately indelible in my DNA when I think about the people I encounter each day, whether local or just passing through town. This is a very humbling experience, to get a window into humanity and try to understand what others have to offer and empathize with what they go through. My father passed away a couple years ago, but those memories of his engagement with his community have left me with a sense of purpose and significance that this store is to its community.

Eventually, the “Tom Boy” store went out of business because they could not compete with the large box stores. My mom and dad, who took ownership of that store to finish their retirement, sold off what they had, so that they could cover the debts to their vendors. When I go back to Arnold, I occasionally see local produce at some of the small markets who have survived and am reminded of the produce I would pick at Burchard’s Farm that would be in the case of my family’s store. As I move into the next phase of my life, I look forward to seeing what the next generation of local entrepreneurs, and skilled employees bring to Three Rivers Market. 

While I will be retiring, I look forward to seeing my friends around town. Occasionally, I have run into my former drawing students from Pellissippi State at TRM, and some of our customers when playing at the blues music jams at the old Three Rivers Market location, “Ale’ Rae’s”. We have a great community, and I am grateful to have a part in it.”

Barb joined the TRM team in July 2022 as a Produce Stocker/Receiver and then served as our Human Resources Manager.

She says, “I came to work at Three Rivers Market with familiarity of the store, having been a long time shopper.  Additionally, I am no stranger to the co-op model.  I started a cooperative school with a friend years ago and can definitely say, it was filled with joys and challenges.

Being a part of the Three Rivers Market team for the last year has been an amazing experience. I have been able to meet some of the Board Members and many members who shop regularly.  The sense of community is something I cherish and value.

I am looking forward to continuing my involvement as a member supporting the direction of the co-op.  I have worked closely this last year with Fadi, our current General Manager. I can honestly say what impresses me most about the co-op is the vision, shared by the General Manager, the Board of Directors and the current members and employees. This vision is to continue to make Three Rivers Market a place for everyone.”

Fair trade is an approach to business and to development based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system. Fair trade businesses partner with farmers and craftspeople in developing countries who are socially and economically marginalized to find markets and customers for their goods.

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