We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christopher And Jennifer Tolen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christopher and Jennifer below.
Christopher and Jennifer, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
Coming up with the name for Ferpher Farms was actually quite easy. We simply combined the endings of our first names, JenniFER and ChristoPHER and now we have that always garners a chuckle and people never forget it.
Christopher and Jennifer, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
We are Christopher and Jennifer Tolen, the proud co-owners of Ferpher Farms, based in Lake Wales, Florida. Ferpher Farms is more than just a microgreens business—it’s our passion and a lifestyle dedicated to promoting sustainability, health, and community. Christopher’s background in entrepreneurship and Jennifer’s expertise in management and creative problem-solving have come together to build a business that’s both innovative and impactful.
Our journey began with a love for fresh, nutrient-dense foods and a curiosity about how we could make a difference in people’s lives. Microgreens were the perfect answer. These tiny, flavor-packed greens are not only incredibly nutritious but also versatile and easy to grow. What started as a small-scale experiment quickly grew into Ferpher Farms, a thriving local business that delivers high-quality, organic, non-GMO, and pesticide-free microgreens to individuals and families throughout Central Florida.
At Ferpher Farms, we provide a range of products and services, including fresh microgreens in convenient sizes, seeds, growing trays, and our exclusive Verticle Life Elixirs line of tinctures. Beyond products, we host interactive workshops to teach people how to grow their own microgreens at home, emphasizing sustainability and self-sufficiency. Our workshops are designed to inspire and empower attendees, showing them just how easy it is to cultivate their own nutrient-rich food.
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and innovation. All of our microgreens are nurtured using Sonic Bloom technology and grown with unadulterated well water, free from fluoridation and other additives. Our techniques ensure optimal growth and taste, creating a product that stands out in freshness and flavor.
We’re most proud of the impact we’ve had on our community. Whether it’s helping someone take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle, collaborating with local farmer’s markets, or mentoring a new grower at one of our workshops, every interaction reminds us why we do what we do.
Our message to potential clients, followers, and fans is simple: Ferpher Farms is here to provide you with the freshest, healthiest microgreens and empower you to grow your own food. We believe that small changes—like incorporating microgreens into your diet or learning to grow them at home—can lead to big transformations in health and well-being.
Above all, we’re a family-run business passionate about sustainability, education, and community. We invite you to join us on this journey, whether through trying our microgreens, attending a workshop, or simply learning more about how to live a healthier, more sustainable life.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
We prioritize staying connected with our clients through multiple touchpoints to ensure they feel valued and informed about everything happening at Ferpher Farms. Here’s how we do it:
Social Media Engagement: We maintain an active presence on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube under @ferpherfarms. Through these channels, we share updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at our farm while engaging with our audience through comments, messages, and interactive content like reels and TikToks.
Workshops and Events: Hosting workshops and attending local farmers’ markets provide us with opportunities to interact directly with our clients, answer their questions, and build personal connections. These face-to-face moments strengthen relationships and foster a sense of community.
Email Newsletters: We send out regular newsletters to subscribers, packed with growing tips, product updates, and exclusive discounts. It’s a great way to keep our clients informed and show them they’re appreciated.
Subscription Service: Our weekly microgreens subscription service ensures consistent interaction with our clients. It’s not just about delivering greens—it’s about delivering a positive, reliable experience that our customers can count on.
Exceptional Customer Service: Whether it’s through email, phone, or in person, we make it easy for clients to reach us and address their needs promptly. We genuinely care about their experience and go the extra mile to ensure they’re satisfied.
Community Involvement: By participating in community events and supporting local initiatives, we’ve built trust and loyalty among our customers who see us as more than a business—they see us as neighbors and friends.
Education and Empowerment: Through our workshops and educational content, we empower our clients with knowledge. Whether they’re learning to grow microgreens at home or discovering the health benefits of our products, this value-add sets us apart and keeps clients coming back.
By combining these strategies, we aim to create a lasting bond with our clients, turning first-time customers into lifelong supporters of Ferpher Farms.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Our best source of new clients has been a combination of word-of-mouth referrals, farmers’ markets, and social media. Each of these channels has played a vital role in growing our customer base:
Word-of-Mouth Referrals: Nothing beats the trust and authenticity that come from a personal recommendation. Our customers often share their experiences with friends and family, whether it’s about the incredible freshness of our microgreens, the value they get from our workshops, or the positive interactions they’ve had with us. These referrals have been a consistent and reliable way to attract new clients.
Farmers’ Markets: Attending local farmers’ markets like the Lake Wales Downtown Farmers Market, Winter Haven Farmers Market, and Solivita Community Markets has been pivotal. These events allow us to showcase our microgreens, engage directly with the community, and provide live demonstrations. Sampling and harvesting microgreens on the spot create memorable experiences that draw people in.
Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube have been fantastic for expanding our reach. By sharing engaging content—whether it’s growing tips, behind-the-scenes moments, or exciting updates—we’ve built an online community that continues to grow and connect us with new customers.
Workshops and Events: Our interactive workshops not only educate but also inspire participants to become loyal customers. These events often lead to immediate sales and long-term relationships with attendees.
Local Partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations and participating in community events has helped us tap into new networks and reach potential clients who share our values.
This mix of personal connection, online presence, and community involvement has been instrumental in bringing in new clients and creating a strong, loyal customer base.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ferpherfarms.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferpherfarms
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ferpherfarms
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/ferpherfarms
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FerpherFarms
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/ferpher-farms-lake-wales
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ferpherfarms
Image Credits
Tolen Media