Russ

Oh hi, I didn’t see you there! I’m Russ. I started working at Clover’s in 2006, eventually moved to Arizona for a few years, came back and picked up where I left off here. I am currently in charge of our bulk foods, coffee, and local produce. I also work with other staff on marketing and events. Outside of this place, I have an amazing family that I like to spend all of their waking hours with. At night when everyone is sleeping I sneak out and play music with my friends The Meanwells.

How did you become interested in natural foods? We grew a lot of our own fruits & vegetables when I was a kid. I guess I always considered it pretty normal to not spray poisons on my food.

How long have you worked at Clover's? Around 6 or 7 years total.

 What do you like about working at Clover's? Oh, so many things… I truly love everyone I work with, we are a real family. We also have such an interesting and unique customer base. It’s never boring, that’s for sure! On top of that I love working with local farmers and distributors, I feel very connected to the food I eat.

 What are a couple of staple food items at your home? Speaking for myself, my partner and our two kids, we have to have a fridge drawer full of Pink Lady apples, carrots, and kale. I myself am partial to some of the local beers as well.

 Do you take any supplements? I try to get most of my nutrition through food, but I will definitely take Source Naturals Wellness Formula at the first sign of a cold. If I’m feeling sluggish I might take a good whole foods multi high in B vitamins and that seems to do the trick.

What keeps you active?  Two kids and close access to nature keeps me pretty active. I love walking through the woods, there is so much to see on any scale that you choose.

What inspires you outside of work? My two daughters are the funniest, most interesting people I know. I also love to write and play music with my friends.

What's your favorite book? Wow, just one? I’d say I’ve reread The Stories of Breece D’J Pancake the most. I also love anything by Bruno Schulz, Flannery O’Connor, and Peter McCarty.

Who was your favorite band in high school? Wow, just one? Back roads, windows down, Hum’s You’d Prefer An Astronaut at top volume.

What’s your favorite body care item? Imperial Drifter Beard Oils are pretty great!

What's your go-to fast and easy healthy meal when you're in a rush? Eggs and toast with Cholula, or maybe an apple or banana if I really slept in late.

Many Clover's employees have been with Clover's for a long time.  Why do you think that is? I think it’s a very healthy and supportive environment. There is also a lot of freedom to have ideas and be able to act on them. There is a lot of incredible talent here, and Clover’s is great at utilizing its employees to their fullest!

Tea or coffee? Coffee, black, hot or iced I don’t care.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?  I don’t feel guilty about any of my pleasures!

Is there a particular area of health that you feel especially knowledgeable in? I feel that the more I know, the more I realize I don’t know. I do however have some personal experience with the inflammation products like curcumin. Either way it’s always important for me to learn about what the customer’s actual issue is to make sure they are not looking for the wrong product. Sometimes the answer is a lot simpler from an outside perspective.

What is your personal philosophy on health? I have a passive attention towards my physical health and try not to fret too much about it as that seems to be detrimental in its own right. I do things that make me happy, spend time with people who make me feel good, and pretty much edit out everything else. That has seemed to keep me in good health for quite some time now.

Do you have a pet(s)? I used to have a cat named Coltrane. He was the best and is irreplaceable.

What do you want people to know about Clover's? When you shop at Clover’s you are supporting a network of other local businesses, from farmers to bakers to accountants to restaurants to beekeepers to makers and many, many more. That keeps your money circulating in the community where you live instead of lining corporate, out-of-state pockets. Also, we have the best, freshest produce in Missouri!