Trout’s New Manager Turns Focus Local

(9/23) John Trout Jr. has worked at his family’s local market for as long as he can remember, always getting involved in one way or another. About a year ago, he took over as fulltime manager and owner of the business so his father could retire. With years of experience helping his family and taking over when emergencies arose, Trout Jr. had a successful transfer of responsibility and is now focusing on the future growth of Trout’s Market.

For over 30 years, Trout’s Market has served the residents of Woodsboro, originally as a grocery store and now as a local marketplace. Trout’s family has managed it throughout generations, creating quite the rapport in town. Trout Jr. mentioned wanting to uphold the market’s positive reputation in the community by following in his grandfather and father’s footsteps. "People always note how hardworking they were. I want to fill in their shoes and fulfill their wishes," he said.

However, despite maintaining the usual welcoming environment, he noted he is ready to take the store in a new direction. Regarding the changes he said, "the store hasn’t changed in 30 years, and I want to start to move away from commercial products." Rather than outsourcing commercial brand products, Trout Jr. intends on supplying local goods at the market.

The new initiative means you may notice a difference in the goods offered in the market. Trout Jr. hopes that by embracing this change in focus the store will "keep the local community feel" while supporting other local producers. Reconnecting to the local roots that allowed it to grow brings hope for new growth and the Trout family welcomes you to stop by for their community favorites.

Trout’s Market has served the citizens of Woodsboro since 1994 as Trout Jr.’s father and grandfather worked to maintain local standards. He started working alongside them as a young boy and continued to stay involved through his adulthood, returning to take over when necessary. Occasionally he would work as acting manager for months at a time, providing plenty of experience prior to his final takeover. Regarding his new responsibilities, Trout Jr. noted they accumulated over time, reducing the shock factor of being completely in charge.

Before returning to take over the family business, John Trout Jr. previously started a seafood business, in Deep Creek, which is still operating today. While much experience came from working behind the counter at Trout’s, he gained a better understanding of how to grow a business after starting his own. Trout Jr. said, "I got to see the interworking’s of things and now I know what needs to be done differently here at the market."