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Produce Depot
Produce Depot link to freshness
Dyer, IN – Produce Depot owners Mike and Rose Massaro pipeline fresh fruits and vegetables from all over the world to residents in Northwest Indiana.
During the winter season, Mike brings produce to customers from the Chicago International Produce Market by visiting the market several times a week. Other times of the year, he showcases Michigan’s offerings through his store located at 101 Joliet Street.
"I go to the (Chicago) market and buy a lot of my produce, which comes from all over the world. I go to the market three times a week, sometimes four. I’m offering a very fresh product," Mike said. "In the spring, summer and fall, I’m able to bring a lot of produce from Michigan. I bring in fresh asparagus, cherries, tomatoes, cucumbers and blueberries. I can offer more variety then a farmers market."
Launched in October 2009, Produce Depot grew from the Massaros’ farmers market that they ran during that summer.
"I was in the construction industry, which was flat. I had work, but it wasn’t enough work so I had to change my career and do something like this," Mike said. "We tried the market over the summertime and we enjoyed doing it. I had a lot of good compliments on how great the produce was and we figured we would roll the dice and see what happens."
A popular feature at the farmers market is finding a home soon in the store: Rose’s homemade breads. The Massaros are in the process of obtaining the tools needed to make the breads in store and plan on having them for sale in February. There will be traditional breads and an Italian crusty bread made from Rose’s mom’s recipe from Italy.
Building on their produce foundation, the Massaros will be adding a juice bar and smoothie station and produce bouquets created for special occasions and holidays.
"We’re going to expand to a juice bar and smoothie station soon and we are trying to bring in more organics. Now we are a mix. I have at least 20 to 25 different organic items in the store," Mike said.
Mike feels Produce Depot fills a niche for a fresh, even specialized product. He also looks to supply the products that various ethnic groups are seeking.
"We are able to cater to the residential customer who wants to buy something in bulk – who has special canning needs. We are able to give them discounts and offer them a 24-hour service turnaround," Mike said. "I can specialize in anything. Once we see the amount of clientele and demand from different groups, then we can bring their type of produce to the store."
The Massaros consulted NWI Small Business Development Center advisor Cindy Bertram while they were considering launching the business in May 2009. Bertram was a source of research as the Massaros considered where their store should be located and she was a guide through basic business tools, assisting them with their business plan.
"Cindy helped steer the way, getting me economic studies in the area: traffic counts by certain intersections, certain streets," Mike said.
"You (the SBDC) help us guide the way. Before I opened up the business, I was able to do some research through the SBDC," Mike said. "Cindy was great. She always followed up. She always called. She was very helpful."
Mike and Rose are gearing up to tackle marketing as they ponder what they’ve learned so far as entrepreneurs.
"The early bird gets the worm. Don’t be afraid. If your mind is geared for something, seek out what you’re looking for, do your homework and do things properly," Mike said.
"Really investigate what you’re getting into. It takes a lot of time and effort," Rose added.
Produce Depot is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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