If the average person’s working career spans 40 years or so, Jeff Nistler figures he’s had at least four careers.
“About every 10 years or so I’ve had to reinvent myself,” Jeff explained, “and I’m now operating a considerably different business from what I began. As recently as four years ago I would have described myself as a produce farmer with a six-month marketing season.
“My business has evolved now to the point that all of the growing takes place in greenhouses, and we concentrate on tomatoes and melons. It seems that the less land I farm, the more profitable I’ve become. Operating in a greenhouse, I can extend the growing season and control more variables, particularly the weather. I can even work when it’s raining.”
The other growth opportunity for Jeff has been his evolution as a baker, something he kind of stumbled into back several years ago.
“I was trying to increase my sales of produce, and I used some of the squash I was selling to make bread using curry, ginger and cinnamon,” said Jeff. “A friend who had offered to help me evaluate my business plan told me he’d visit me simply to buy my bread.”
Whereas Jeff had been limited to selling fresh produce for half the year, by making and selling bread and honey, he’s been able to expand his selling season to a full 12 months. Yes, that’s right: Jeff also keeps bees and packages and markets his own honey.
Nistler Farms is just two miles north of U.S. Highway 12 between Maple Plain and Delano. Its primary market is the Mill City Farmers Market in downtown Minneapolis. The Farmers Market is willing to pay more for home grown produce, and they appreciate the experimentation Jeff does to offer a variety of the produce he grows. The market attracts a customer base that truly appreciates the fruits of Jeff’s labor.
“I also resell my produce at three other venues: Marty’s Deli at Fourth and Lowry in Minneapolis, the Golden Fig on Grand Avenue in St. Paul, and the Stillwater Co-op,” Jeff explained. “However, the primary focus of my sales is the farmers market.”
Jeff employs a handful of seasonal part-time workers to help out during the peak times, a smaller number now than a few years ago because the greenhouse has made the work more manageable.
“I’m almost 66 years old,” Jeff continued, “and I’d like to continue doing this work as long as I’m able.”
Jeff appreciates the ongoing support and encouragement he receives from Sherry Valley at Minnesota Lakes Bank.
“Sherry came to work at Minnesota Lakes Bank when my business was at a pivot point,” Jeff continued. “She met with me, listened carefully, and offered up exactly what it turns out the business needed. She understands my business well, and seems to know what I need even before I do.
“I like the fact that I have such a great working relationship with my banker,” said Jeff. “I consider Sherry a friend and colleague; there’s nothing adversarial about our working relationship, and I appreciate that. I like the fact that they know who I am when I walk through the bank door. Not too many years ago my father, who’s in his 90s, visited the bank, and he had forgotten his ID. ‘No worries,’ they told him; ‘we know who you are.’
“At Minnesota Lakes Bank, it’s not all about the numbers,” Jeff concluded.