Zane Kauffman – Assistant Manager – Co-Op

Hi, my name is Zane Kauffman, I started working here at Kauffman’s in Bird in Hand,  in the summer of 2017. I started out by making boxes in the orchards for the peaches to be sold. After that summer, I was put in the retail store where I got to work with the fruit and learn about how Kauffman’s worked as a whole. From there I have become a well-rounded part of the staff here. I work in retail produce, I can work at the cash register, bulk foods, fruit butter (jarring the butter), and e-commerce. Being here has helped me not only grow my experience in fruit but with people as well. I believe this job has helped me develop a good work ethic as well as care for this job or any job that I am willing to take. 

Part of my job routine is working on a lot of produce that ranges from the fruits we grow (peaches, plums, pears, apples, apricots, cherries, strawberries, and so on…). I also take care of some of the local produce that we sell in our store, as well as in the market stand.  I enjoy working with people, too.  I like providing customer service and helping people decide which fruits and produce they may like.

I am currently devoting a lot of time to the Lancaster Central Market, where I help run a fruit stand. We also sell our homemade apple cider (some of the best around!) I enjoy the market because it’s very interactive and there is a lot to do and see as well. 

I have grown a lot in my knowledge and experience with produce, as well as working with people while I work at Kauffman’s, I am well-rounded in consulting for others when there is a need for some fruit question all the way from growing a seedling to a tree all the way to its harvest. 

This career has helped me realize a lot about the importance of a growing hobby for taking care of trees and their counterparts, but more importantly, working with people and finding the best way to help those who may have a burning question or something to help those get to the next level. 

As for my future career, this is something that has helped me develop self-motivation and a good work ethic to always try, even if I cannot solve all the questions, and if I don’t know, I am always willing to learn.