Michael Quataert, the H.A. Maier Farms stand operator, holds a gooseneck squash as he sets up the farm stand for his customers.The highly traveled intersection of Routes 31 and 259 in Spencerport gives the H. A. Maier Farms market stand located on the southeast corner a lot of exposure to locals seeking fresh fruits and vegetables. At peak season on a weekend day, 100 dozen ears of corn can find their way from farm stand operator Michael Quataert’s carefully tended display to backyard barbecues, picnic tables, and family dining rooms.
While the growing season comes to a close soon, a mound of corn still fills the farm wagon on which Michael sets up the vegetables – apples, green and red peppers, zucchini, cabbage, onions, pumpkins and squash have given the stand its appropriate fall look. The farm stand has been open since July 5 providing farm fresh produce and fruit to customers seven days a week. Stand operator Michael Quataert contributes in many ways to customer service and satisfaction.
A carved spaghetti squash becomes part of the fall decor at the farm stand. Michael is showing his work with a pumpkin carving tool to Bill Mickelson from Spencerport. Bill is one of Michael’s regular customers.Michael, who is from the Spencerport area, has run the stand for the last five seasons. He has a knack with customer rapport, is a good salesperson, and prides himself on the organization of his fruits and vegetables, particularly setting up the pumpkins. He also has a great sense of humor. Joan Maier, Michael’s manager at H.A. Maier Farms, says the grower feels quite fortunate to have Michael run the farm stand: “He is one in a million.”
Michael says he likes meeting the people. Michael has many regular customers and some he greets with a huge hug. Michael also loves to chitchat with all his customers and his customers love to chitchat with him. He’s often ready to offer a unique perspective with the turn of a phrase.
Michael takes pride in the organization of his fruit and vegetable displays, particularly setting up the pumpkins. One that might get “dinged” in travel becomes a candidate for carving, Michael says. The Maier Farms stand at this location will close October 14.Michael’s day starts early at Maier Farms located between Trimmer Road and Washington Street on Route 31 where he picks up the produce and fruit for the day. He then travels to the farm stand to set it up. Michael says that on most days customers start coming to the stand before he even has it all set up. The stand closes about 5 p.m. or after the last customer is served, which could be later. Michael then unloads the stand for the night. He says his busiest day is Sunday.
