Questions and Answers with Local Business Owner Anthony Maloni of Rice Fruit Farm in Wilbraham!
1. What is your name? What is the name of your business?
Anthony Maloni, Rice Fruit Farm
2. What inspired you/encouraged you to start your business?
A family affair that combined a background in real estate, business and ice cream/food with an opportunity to revive a landmark in the community.
3. What do you love about your work?
It feels rewarding to see the business continue to grow and progress with time from the abstract vision to concrete reality. We are continually trying to improve the overall atmosphere and options. Really enjoy interacting with our customers and consider my role more as a Steward for Rice's.
4. What advice do you have for others wanting to start a business?
Starting your own business is not for everyone obviously but having a mentor would be a great place to start.
5. What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?
Work life balance can be a struggle for sure. I try to do a little bit of physical work around the farm each day. Putting away orders or organizing the storage area etc. Anything that has me moving and not just behind the desk. I have three daughters so once I'm out of work it's off to see them.
6. What can we do to support you in the community?
We're so fortunate to have such an amazing amount of support from the community already and we're so thankful for it! It's great getting the first time customers in. Rice's is definitely an unique place and can be hard to compare when trying to explain. I just give up and tell people to come check us out. So I guess bring a friend or family member by for a muffin top, homemade ice cream or a breakfast sandwich.
7. Favorite spot to go around town?
If I can sneak away for a quick break I'll try to go down to Spec or Nine Mile Pond to fish and kayak or if the sky is clear I'll make the short trek up Rice Nature Preserve for some fresh air and the view.
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