Holland Bottom Farm LLC
Holland Bottom Farm LLC
THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY HAVE CAPTURED OUR HEARTS, AND I WANT TO GROW.” CONTINUE TO — Leslie Odom
Astaple in Cabot for more than two decades, Holland Bottom Farm LLC provides the community with what owners Tim and Leslie Odom call “the best homegrown fruits and vegetables around.” Leslie joined her husband on the farm in 2000. For many years, she pursued a career as a registered nurse while Tim managed the farm with his father, Larry Odom. Following Larry’s death in 2015, her role evolved exponentially. She soon began farming full time and nursing part time. Since inheriting the family business, Leslie has been determined to learn the ins and outs of agriculture. Her mission is to grow the farm’s clientele and expand awareness of its superb products. “The wonderful people within our community have captured our hearts, and I want to continue to grow,” she said. Leslie harnessed technology to make her dreams a reality. Last year, she launched the company on social media, working hard to update the farm’s pages daily and gaining more than 6,000 followers to date on Facebook and Instagram. The farm also began accepting debit and credit cards. “As a society, we have become so digital,” she said. “While the farm maintains ads on the radio and in the newspaper, technology is ever evolving, and social media is the new frontier of marketing.” Chatting with new and regular customers at the produce stand is her favorite part of farm life, she said. “Every day is filled with getting to know new people, and that is something I really do enjoy,” she said. “This time of year happens to be my favorite. I enjoy coming to the fruit stand every morning and setting up displays of straw, pumpkins and other fall decor. I am currently working to revamp our fall festivities.” Taking ownership of an established business is not easy, she added, and the Odoms faced numerous obstacles their first year. However, several friends and local farmers supported the couple. “Each of them was instrumental in helping us during our journey to get where we are today, and for that, we will be ever grateful,” she said, adding some advice for women looking to run their own businesses. “There will always be ups and downs, but if you persevere and work hard enough, nothing is outside your reach. You may stumble, but failure is never an option.”