Bruce McPherson of West Seattle Produce

How long have you been in business? We’ve been at our current location at 4721 Fauntleroy Ave SW for about 5 months. Who are you customers? Mainly our customers are West Seattle locals who have become loyal customers. We are also attracting many Vashon Island residents on their way to the ferry to get back home. What is something about your business that I might not have known? We have to get an early start – 6 am to be open for business by 9 am! There is a lot of prep work involved in setting up all the fresh fruit and vegetables. They need to look visually attractive and require an all-day rotation to stay fresh and appealing. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, we also have fresh pastas, Essential baked breads, sauces, dressings, Vashon Island coffee and Smith’s Brothers milk, eggs and dairy products. We also plan to have Christmas trees available come November! A little bit of everything for everyone! Who is your role model? Sir Edmund Hillary. He was a New Zealand beekeeper and one of the first to climb Mt. Everest in 1953. He was knighted by the Queen but still maintained humility and modesty. I admire modest people. What are the challenges of owning an independent business? Taxes and permits and accounting, oh my! I recommend hiring the best accountant and having them come in at least once a week! What do you enjoy in your free time? I don’t really have much free time at the moment, but my passion is sailboat racing. I also love to watch my daughters sporting events. They play everything from soccer to volleyball to basketball. It’s great! What other Junction shops do you like to patron? West 5 – love those guys! Best mac n’ cheese ever. What is West Seattle’s best kept secret? West Seattle feels like it’s an island – great beaches, parks and shops. You never have to leave and I don’t want to! We have such an amazing variety of shops and restaurants, it’s truly an amazing place to live and work. Anything else you’d like to add? Yes! Sunday is family day here at West Seattle Produce. My wife, Jennifer and our two daughters help out running the registers and serving up samples of our delicious picks of the day! http://westseattleproduce.com/ Photo: Donna Ryan Photography]]>