Shop Talk is a weekly column featuring locally owned and operated businesses. This week, we talk to Danielle Burrows of the Stone Tavern Farm in Roxbury.
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How long have you lived in the area?
We're originally from Virginia Beach. We've lived here for 13 years.
Tell me about your business:
We operate a horse farm and provide lessons, guided trail rides and summer camp for children in the summer. We live in the most beautiful location and have 400 acres that wind up and down the mountain. We also offer guided ATV trail rides and weddings and special events such as stargazing parties, corporate retreats, family reunions and fundraisers. Our guests can come for an hour or spend the night in one of our cabins, a room in the inn or the bed-and-breakfast.
How did you get started in this line of work?
John's great-grandfather owned the farm 150 years ago when it was a dairy farm. It was sold, and his grandfather bought it back. The people who bought from John's grandfather made it into a horse farm, and 15 years ago, we bought it back. This is John's dream. We rented the farm to a couple who raised thoroughbreds for four years. They offered strictly a two-week summer camp. We expanded this when we took over and moved up here permanently.
Describe a typical day in your business:
I wake up at 6:30 a.m. every day. I prepare breakfasts for the campers, the inn and the bed-and-breakfast guests. Starting at 9 a.m., I greet customers and answer phones. Throughout the day, I take care of drive-ups, campers and horse schedules. I ensure the campers and guests when riding are safe and all are wearing helmets. I coordinate games and food for the campers and the guests. The days vary depending upon whether we have a special event like a wedding or a star-gazer party.
Where do you see this business in five years?
I'd like to open a restaurant at the pavilion, which I would enclose. Right now, we're installing a commercial septic there. All I'll need after that is a commercial kitchen.
Describe a memorable moment in your workplace:
The first wedding we hosted here. The couple had a blog thanking us for "making their wedding day awesome and most incredible." Also, it was really exciting to find we are listed on Google's Trip Advisor.
What have you learned from your work?
I didn't know too much about horses before we moved up here, and I have learned a lot. I've also learned a lot about customer service and how to please the customer.
What are some advantages/drawbacks of doing business in this area?
We're located in an absolutely beautiful location. We're alone. We're really selling the area and scenery of the Catskill Mountains. The disadvantages are that the winters are hard.
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
Finding qualified employees who know horses and like children.
The most enjoyable?
Fridays are really fun. That's when we have a horse show and the kids show off their skills and win ribbons. They are very happy. Each year, we have different color ribbons and because many of our kids come back every year, they have a rainbow of ribbons in their rooms.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
We have low prices and offer high-quality services. Also, the history of our farm and its magnificent location sets us apart.
What advice would you give to someone trying to enter your field of work?
Be prepared to work hard, and to eat, breathe and sleep horses.
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To suggest a business for Shop Talk, contact Emily F. Popek at 432-1000, ext. 255, or epopek@thedailystar.com.
