What I Learned Working for a Local Beef Business - Guest Blog Post by Julie

Hi!
My name is Julie, and I work for Oak Barn Beef—mostly on Saturdays since I am in high school. I got the job last fall when my volleyball coach recommended me to Hannah. I expected the job would involve helping customers buy their beef and keeping the store clean. Nice and simple, right?

Wrong.
Little did I know how much heart goes into keeping this store running.

First Impressions

The two jobs I expected—helping customers and cleaning—were definitely part of it. But the task I’ve spent the most time on these first few months? Folding boxes.

I assumed that working in a small town meant working for a small store with a small business. I thought Oak Barn Beef would sell to Omaha, maybe Lincoln, and the towns in between. I never imagined it would ship to other states—let alone all 50 of them! That was mind-boggling to me. It's pretty cool to think that the boxes I fold could end up anywhere in the U.S.

What I’ve Learned

A few things I’ve learned about running a small business:

• It takes a lot of heart!

• Every job—from raising the cattle to selling the beef—is done with care.

• There are always more boxes to fold :)

• When helping customers, you can be too friendly. Give them space to choose their meat.

• Be nice to the iPad and it will be nice to you.
  (That thing can be very stubborn. Stay on its good side!)

Favorite Part of the Job

Favorite Task:
Folding the little black-and-red boxes that we use to ship beef jerky and beef sticks. When I look at them unfolded, I can’t see how they could possibly turn into a box. But somehow—they do!

Best Moments:
I love talking to new people every time I work. In a small town, it’s funny—most people know me through my parents or grandparents, but I don’t know them! It makes for great conversations, and I get to hear funny stories about my family.

I’m really grateful for this job opportunity and all the experience it’s given me. The biggest lesson I’ll take with me? How to serve customers well and keep a good conversation going.

If you want to support local businesses like Oak Barn Beef, check out our best-sellers here!