For three generations, Boscov’s Fairgrounds Farmers Market has been home to Paul L. Keagy Produce. Ryan Keagy, Paul Keagy, Sr.’s grandson, proudly carries on the family tradition of providing the community with quality local produce.
Your family business has been at the market for more than 70 years. Why did your grandfather choose this location? We were one of the market’s founding vendors. At that time, my grandfather also had stands at a few other markets. I’m not sure of the exact reason he chose to take a chance at a newly formed farmers market, but he always liked to take chances in business. He saw the growth and excitement happening in this area; at the time, there was a racetrack behind the market. He realized the potential for success, so he took a good chance that paid off. This spot became so successful that my grandfather eventually gave up the other locations to focus solely on this one.
What do you enjoy most about your role? I really enjoy carrying on the family legacy and maintaining the same quality and success we’ve had over the decades. I’ve seen a lot of family businesses start to go downhill by the third generation, and my goal is to not let that happen. I enjoy the good pressure of carrying on that legacy. I also enjoy working with the good competitors we have here at the market, and I love the customers. We have lots of loyal customers, and some even remember my grandfather.
How long have you worked in the family business? All my life. I started working on the farm at eight or nine years old. I would also come into the market to help set up. In high school, I worked here on the weekends. I took a year off after graduation, but that was the only time in my life I didn’t work here. Since I was 21 years old, I’ve been in management roles. I took over the business from my father, Paul Jr., in 2021.
Other than supporting local businesses, what are the benefits of shopping at a farmers market? There are so many quality food items at farmers markets. Sometimes it’s not easy to find those items in regular grocery stores and, when you do, they might not always be as fresh. At the Boscov's Fairgrounds Farmers Market, there’s a family atmosphere. Vendors and customers get to know each other, and you can trust the vendors to get you the high-quality products you need.
Running the market takes a lot of work, but how do you relax in your free time? I work over 70 hours a week, so I don’t have much free time. But when I do, I like to spend time at home with my wife, or we go to small, locally-owned restaurants. I also like to be outside playing sports and hunting.
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Love pineapples but hate cutting them? No problem. Keagy’s has a self-service PinaBar Pineapple Corer to easily core and peel your pineapples.
Curbside convenience. Keagy’s makes it easy for you to enjoy fresh, local produce with its online ordering and curbside pickup.
