Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Schyma.
Hi Chris, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2006, we received a postcard in the mail about the Monticello Farmers Market starting up, and I decided to sign us up. At the time, we had a large garden with more produce than we could eat or can, so it felt like a great opportunity to sell the extras. Along with the produce, we brought some of our homemade strawberry jam and dill pickles, which we’d been making for our kids.
We quickly realized there were already a lot of produce vendors, but not many offering specialty items. The jams and pickles were a big hit! That success inspired us to expand. We started experimenting with new jam flavors and different pickle varieties, and we learned everything we could about proper processing, labeling, and other requirements through Minnesota Grown resources and classes.
Now, we sell eight types of dill pickles, over 26 jam flavors, dilly beans, pickled asparagus, pickled beets, salsa, canned tomatoes, and more. We’ve also added free-range Cornish Cross meat chickens, a healthy local protein option that my husband, Rich, wanted to include since he grew up raising chickens on his family’s dairy farm.
We sell at the Monticello, Maple Grove, Buffalo, and Golden Valley farmers markets, as well as indoor winter markets in Monticello and Maple Grove. The markets have been an incredible experience for us, not just for the sales, but for the relationships we’ve built. We’ve made lifelong friends with both customers and vendors, and many of them have become like extended family to us.
Some of our favorite memories come from connecting with people at the markets. We’ve shared stories, recipes, and so many laughs over the years. Vendors have become some of our closest friends, and customers are more than just buyers—they’re part of our journey. Many have watched our five sons—Cody, James, Thomas, Kyle, and Ryan—grow up over the years. They’ve celebrated milestones with us, from graduations to weddings, and have shared their own life events, making the markets a true community experience.
Having our boys grow up helping at the markets has been such a blessing. They learned how to communicate with people, make eye contact, and build connections. They’ve developed strong work ethics and confidence that I believe will serve them for the rest of their lives. Even though they’re all out of high school now, they still come home to help during the busy summer season when they can, or just stop by to visit. Customers are always thrilled to see them and catch up, reinforcing those bonds we’ve built over the years.
What started as a way to use up extra garden produce has turned into a family business that we’re so proud of. Our products and the relationships we’ve built are a reflection of the values we hold dear—hard work, family, and community. The friendships we’ve formed through the markets are truly the heart of what we do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the toughest seasons for our business was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales dropped significantly, and markets looked and felt very different. We added an extra table in front of our booth to allow for social distancing. Sampling, one of the best ways for customers to try and fall in love with our products, was no longer allowed. Despite the challenges, we were determined to continue. We wanted to support the markets we were committed to and be there for the customers who still came out, even with all the uncertainty. What helped most was the strength of our relationships with fellow vendors, market staff, and long-time customers. Those friendships, conversations, and the sense of still having a purpose and place to go each week made all the difference. It reminded us that the market was more than just business, it was community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Schyma’s Pickles & Preserves?
We currently attend four summer farmers markets each week from mid-May through fall:
Maple Grove Farmers Market on Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Monticello Farmers Market on Thursdays from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Buffalo Farmers Market on Saturday mornings from 8:00 AM to noon
Market in the Valley in Golden Valley on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
These markets are the heart of our season, and we love seeing familiar faces each week. You can always find our current schedule and updates on our Facebook page.
What makes you happy?
What makes us happiest now is when our boys, who are all grown, come back to visit at the markets, help with production, or step in and help run a market when needed. Even with their own busy lives, job and families, they still make the effort to be part of what we started together years ago. Whether it is to lend a hand, catch up with familirar faces, or simply be there to visit, it’s those moment of togetherness that bring me the most joy. It is a reminder that what we built isnt just a business, but part of the foundation of our family.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schymaspickles/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schymas/
