Vermont Seasonal Businesses: Balancing Books in a Narrow Window
Vermont’s seasonal business owners face a short window to turn a profit, making every customer interaction crucial. From apple picking to pumpkin hunting, they rely on visitors to sustain their year-round operations.
Phil Murdock, owner of Chapin Orchards, explains, "It’s the happiness when people come. We’re really selling happiness." They spend countless hours cultivating their products, aiming to delight customers.
The seasonal rush arrives in August, offering a 10-week period to recoup expenses. "For the first six or seven weeks… we’re basically paying the bills," Murdock acknowledges.
Max Whitcomb, owner of Whitcomb Land of Pumpkins, shares a similar experience, relying on eight weeks each year to sell his pumpkins and host corn mazes. After Halloween, there’s a brief pause before Christmas trees and a new holiday season commence.
These farms, like Chapin’s and Whitcomb’s, strive to maximize the short season while providing memorable experiences for their customers.