In April, we welcomed our new Director of Marketing, Jim Darroch, to the Backyard Farms family. In his current position, Jim manages everything from events, to in-store signage, to advertising and digital marketing. He’s truly a jack-of-all-trades, both inside and out of the greenhouse. When he’s not hanging out with the tomatoes, Jim enjoys watching his New England sports teams take the field, or heading outside, especially to hit the pavement on his road bike.
First off, the most important question: What’s your favorite tomato variety?
They’re all awesome but I love everything about our Cocktail Tomatoes. When I told my friends I was joining Backyard Farms, I can’t tell you how many people interrupted me to say, “You mean the tomatoes in the box with the picket fence? I LOVE THOSE.” They’re consistently tasty and the packaging makes them easy to find.
What’s been your favorite part about working at Backyard Farms so far?
The people who make our tomatoes possible—from the folks who tend the plants to our President, I’ve never met so many hard-working and respectful people who care so much about what they do. Our head grower Arie has many sayings but the one that sticks out the most is “The Plants Are the Boss” and it’s true. The greenhouse is less like a farm and more like a cathedral. You’ve got to respect the plants because, as Arie also likes to say, “they know.”
What was your first impression of the greenhouse?
My first interview was on a classic gray, New England winter day complete with freezing rain. Walking into the 73-degree greenhouse was like a scene out of the “Wizard of Oz” or “Willy Wonka.” I’ll never forget it, and as corny as it sounds, I felt like I was home.
Other than tomatoes, what are some of your other passions?
My wife Brenda and I love traveling all around New England but Maine is our favorite place and we can’t wait to move back. We’re looking forward to finding a house that’s close to Portland, not too far from the beach and with plenty of outdoor space for our dog Brewski to run around.
For more information, visit www.backyardfarms.com
