Today we’d like to introduce you to Levi.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am part of the 10th generation on my family’s farm located in Frederick County, Virginia. In the early 2000’s we made the decision to begin selling direct to consumer with selling sweet corn on the side of the road from the bed of a truck. After learning and growing over the next 15 years at that location and building a reputation with our local community, fast forward to 2018 we took a leap of faith and expanded our operation to a fully diversified agritourism destination. Our goal was to create an opportunity for the community to come and enjoy time on the farm. Nestled in the northern end of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and surrounded by apple orchards, West Oaks Farm Market became our new location offering pick-your-own opportunities, corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, farm festivals, restaurant, wedding and event venue, live music, and gift shop. Our new location sprouted around the same time I was graduating college. My brother, Ben, was already running our farming operation with our Dad, Joe. Myself and my wife, Kate, took on running the farm market operation with my mom, Mary. Today, 8 years later, we continue to run the farm market with the help of our amazing team. We are always looking for new ways to expand, grow, and offer more for our community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Owning and operating a small business will always have obstacles and challenges. If it is weather, logistics, barriers to entry, natural disasters, or just slow times of business, there seems to always be something ready to pull you down. We rely on each other to build back up and press forward. As an 11-generation family operation, we fight for our business to grow and continue on for our future generations after us. We are truly blessed that our family sticks together through hardship and finds ways to overcome obstacles. We just keep on praying and keep on farming, the rest is out of our hands.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
West Oaks Farm Market is more than a place to buy fresh produce—it’s a place to experience the farm. Located in Winchester, Virginia, West Oaks is a family-owned farm destination that brings together fresh, locally grown produce, a full-service restaurant, family activities, seasonal events, and beautiful spaces for weddings, celebrations, and corporate gatherings. We’re proud to offer something for everyone, whether you’re stopping in for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, enjoying a meal from our kitchen, bringing the kids to play, attending one of our many events, or celebrating a special occasion.
What really sets West Oaks apart is the experience we create around the farm. We want people to come here, slow down, have fun, enjoy good food, and make memories together. Our seasonal festivals and fall harvest season is especially something we’re proud of, with hayrides, a corn maze, pick-your-own pumpkins and apples, barrel trains, and plenty of other family-friendly activities. We’ve worked hard to build a brand that feels welcoming, authentic, and connected to agriculture while continuing to grow into a true year-round destination. At the heart of everything we do is our love for the farm, our community, and bringing people together—and we hope every person who visits West Oaks leaves with a full belly, a smile, and a reason to come back.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think the quality that has been most important to our success is flexibility. At any given time, things could go really well or really bad. It is how we react in both of these circumstances on how the future unfolds. Our flexibility and ability to pivot and capitalize from successes or hardships are what keep a business moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.westoaksfarm-market.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westoaksfarmmarket
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westoaksfarmmarket
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/56062354
