Today we’d like to introduce you to David Melton.
David, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
We started in 2012 after a convergence of experiences by a couple soon-to-be friends. Zac took a motorcycle trip out west and spent time on an organic farm. That time influenced him to bring what he learned about sustainable farming and eating locally back home to Atlanta. My side of the story is not nearly as cool…. My wife and I moved down the street from the Athens Farmers Market, which was our first exposure to local farms. Jenny was making baby food and we wanted to use local, organic produce, so we became members of a CSA. Through a mutual friend, the idea of Fresh Harvest was born, which brought Zac and I together.
Today we’re based in Clarkston GA, a small refugee resettlement community just east of Decatur. We have 18 employees, many of whom are refugees from all over the world. We’re thankful for the friendships we’ve built with some of the best organic growers in the state. We constantly thank our customers for being ‘early adopters’ who are seeking to source their food more locally and ethically.
To see a local food movement progress, we believe it will take growers, distributors, consumers, for-profits, non-profits, etc. all working together. We love being a part of seeing this ‘ethical food hub’ in Atlanta realized.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The early days were a blur honestly. As with any small business, we did everything. We would start packing baskets at 5am, then make deliveries to homes all around Atlanta. While operating, we were always working to grow the business. There were many days where I would change from packing clothes, to driving clothes, to sales guy clothes while eating breakfast and lunch in my truck. There were definitely some low points along the way. I’d say it was our faith (and naive optimism) that carried us through and continues to do so today.
Fresh Harvest – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Fresh Harvest provides a home and office delivery of local organic produce, meat, eggs, milk, and artisan items throughout Greater Atlanta. We’re known as a ‘user friendly’ CSA, as you can purchase locally, customize the contents of your basket, have it delivered to your door, and it’s all done through the convenience of a mobile-friendly website.
We’re most proud of our relationships with growers in and around Georgia and how we’ve grown with them. While working with Red Earth, for example, we’ve seen them grow from 4 employees to 14.
What further differentiates us is our garden and vision for refugee job creation in Clarkston. With our garden, we’ve moved beyond being the distributor of your food – now we’re one of the growers as well. The Fresh Harvest Garden provides opportunities for customers to attend farm dinners, cooking demonstrations, and volunteer events while creating jobs for our neighbors.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
On a micro level, it’s been critical that we create a viable business that supports healthy families and a healthy lifestyle for all FH employees. For example, I’m no longer working 12 hour days and eating 2-3 meals in my truck. No amount of success is ever worth sacrificing my family. So, a marker of success for me? Eating breakfast and dinner at home every day with my wife and kids.
On a macro level, we work to serve our customers and not simply ‘sell’ them. Creating a product and service that truly makes their lives better – not something we have to make them think they need. We hope every basket makes them, and the ground their food came from, healthier.
Pricing:
- Mini Basket (1-2 people) $32
- Georgia Grown Basket (2-3 people) $39
- Standard Basket (3-4 people) $45
Contact Info:
- Address: 735 Park North Blvd Suite 116
Clarkston, GA 30021 - Website: freshharvestga.com
- Phone: 770.847.6630
- Email: info@freshharvestga.com
