—Meet the Crew—
Marjie Findlay and Geoff Freeman purchased 201 Bedford Road in 2012, with the intention of establishing a blueberry farm and farm stand. The desire was to offer the community a space to gather as well as buy local, organic produce grown at neighboring Clark Farm. Mary Carroll and Jeff Kott joined Marjie and Geoff in early 2024, thus creating The Partnership, to help support the future and longevity of the market.
Marjie’s work in sustainable agriculture, farm-based education, and non-profit initiatives demonstrates her unwavering commitment to increasing access to healthy food. The market was her vision, and much of what you see today is the result of her dedication.
Geoff, a retired architect specializing in university libraries, designed the stunning post-and-beam structure of the market, which serves as the property's cornerstone. His design vision continues with plans for a commercial kitchen space next to the market, where delicious, farm-inspired recipes can be prepared.
Geoff & Marjie
In 2005, Mary co-founded Brown Bag Naturals, a natural and organic school lunch business that grew to serve over 30 public, private, and charter schools in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. She now balances her time at the market with teaching business and coaching basketball at a local high school. Her experience in both these roles makes her an ideal mentor, blending leadership, guidance, and a strong commitment to fostering growth.
Jeff works as a non-destructive testing engineer at Commonwealth Fusion Systems in Devens, MA. He is passionate about supporting the company’s mission of clean energy, working to meet growing energy demands while addressing the critical issue of climate change.
Mary
Addison & Jeff
Mary and Jeff continue to uphold the core values that Marjie and Geoff envisioned when they created the market community. Their daughter, Addison, applied for her first job at the market and has since grown to know and love every aspect of its operations. The Kott family is honored and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the future growth of this very special place. Geoff and Marjie have truly created a unique space to shop, connect, and gather in an idyllic setting.
Rachael Starbard joined as the Assistant Manager late in the 2024 season–chances are, you’ve already met her! With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, she brings a valuable skill set to the crew. With plans for food, beverage, and event expansion in the market’s future, she’s excited to contribute her expertise and help the market reach its goals.
Growing up in central Massachusetts, Rachael spent much of her time outdoors or on a theater stage—sometimes even creating her own stage when one wasn’t available. She has fond memories of helping in the family gardens or doing chores on her uncle’s dairy farm. Her close confidants can attest that if something wasn’t already entertaining or amusing, she made sure it was. When she's not at the market, Rachael loves teaching meditation and healing classes or sharing time with her three beautiful nieces.
Rachael
Frank Proctor is an exceptional finish carpenter who led a variety of construction projects locally for over 30 years. He was crucial in Clark Farm’s rejuvenation projects as well as the market you see today. Frank has been Bedford Road’s Project Manager for the last 10 years and instrumental in the market’s success.
You might have spotted Frank stretching pizza dough during a market’s pizza night! An avid foodie, he loves exploring both local favorites and new dining spots. When he's not indulging in culinary adventures, Frank enjoys weekend getaways to Maine with his wife and pups.
Frank
