Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Marso.
Derek, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When my Grandparents opened Valley Farm Market in 1956, they had their kids help operate the business, sweeping the parking lot, washing vegetables and sorting bottles. I, Derek Marso, a former Kansas State University Defensive End who played in the NFL, is now the third generation to own Valley Farm Market.
I had a different vision for the store when I came in to take over and wanted to give the community something that they were missing. I added specialty products to the traditional products in the store and focused on Meat and BBQ. I am a butcher who continued my father’s focus on Barbecue with the Valley Farm Market BBQ Shack, which serves Barbeque plates of brisket, pulled pork, tri-tip and BBQ sides by the pound.
In September 2018, Valley Farm BBQ was named “San Diego’s Best BBQ” by iHeart Radio.
Valley Farm Market is located in Spring Valley and is famous for its USDA Prime and Choice Beef from Omaha Nebraska, fresh Seafood flown in weekly from Alaska, distribution of Julian Pies, Fine Wines and Micro Brew Beer. We continue to serve our local customers as well as anyone interested in stopping by for a taste of our famous meat department!
Has it been a smooth road?
Never a smooth road, but that is what makes it exciting. Life is about experiences and how you react and grow from them. The dynamic in the store had to change and become more inviting and positive. Once I was able to make those changes and get the older generation out of the store, it helped out a lot.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Valley Farm Market story. Tell us more about the business.
We are hyper-focused on experiences. I feel that today, too many businesses are worried and focused on only the transaction and don’t give the customer service they deserve. We are here to greet you with open arms and a warm smile. I have to say that I am most proud of my employees because they continue to create an environment that is inviting and positive. That makes my heart and soul happy.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I feel the middle size commodity stores are going to struggle. Specialty stores and Big Box stores like Costco will be ok.
Contact Info:
- Address: 9040 campo rd
Spring Valley Ca 91977 - Website: Valley Farm Market
- Phone: 6199550541
- Email: derek@valleyfarmmarkets.com
- Instagram: valleyfarmmarket_springvalley valleyfarmmarket_lajolla
- Facebook: @valleyfarmmarketspringvalley
- Twitter: Valley Farm Market
- Yelp: valley farm market
- Other: Valley Farm Market
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