We are thrilled to welcome Gordie Auchterlonie to our team as our new Assistant Market Manager! A Massachusetts native, Gordie comes to us with almost four decades of expertise in the grocery business, most recently based outside Boston with Whole Foods where he worked for 22 years. When Gordie and his girlfriend decided to relocate to the island (to a family home they are helping to fix up), he was thrilled to find a family farm and grocery on Nantucket that was looking for some help! When we asked Gordie what aspects of the grocery business he enjoys, he had this to say:
“When new team members come in, I like to help them with their careers. Grocery can be a stepping stone to get to where they want to go. There are different ways of learning in a supermarket, and they (the employee) can take that to the next level for whatever is next. I like to help people move up.”
Gordie also feels strongly that food, and small grocery stores are essential no matter what world events are going on.
“Food is so important. People will buy food before they pay their bills because they need it to survive. Essential workers like grocery store workers, fast food workers, truck drivers, doctors and nurses really did run the country the past couple of years. What would we do without them? We got through the last two years because they were such a necessity.”
Gordie loves the ocean, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. Gordie is also a certified pistol instructor, helping to train people on responsible gun use and safety. One of Gordie’s passions is helping United States Veterans. He is a member of the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle club (a nonprofit motorcycle club dedicated to honoring all veterans by raising money for donations through pancake breakfasts, raffles and calendar sales), as well as being involved with the nonprofit Stop Soldier Suicide, where he spends time with vets, listening to their stories, and supporting them.
Be sure to say hello to Gordie when you see him around the Farm!
-written by Isabelle Nicolas, Farmstand Concierge