By Heather Lusk
Mark Vander Kooy always wanted to be a farmer.
Coming to Traders Point Creamery in the newly created position of CEO, Vander Kooy is able to partially get his wish working closely with local farms and overseeing the creamery that straddles the border between Zionsville and Indianapolis.
He began working with Traders Point Creamery in 2012 as a consultant, assisting with the processing plant and pricing structure. His goals for Traders Point include expanding availability of the product line and visibility of the restaurant, but he wants to continue the vision that the owners had when they first created the farm.
“I think it’s a very special place as it is right now,” he said. “I just hope more people can experience it. I don’t want (people) to notice a lot of changes. I think the changes that we’re moving forward on are the unseen changes, the changes that help our products get into more stores coast to coast.”
He said that with the increased demand for its products, the company works with local certified organic farmers to meet customer and quality needs.
“It’s really inspiring to be around some of these farmers,” he said. “Whether it’s our own farmer or the other farmers we partner with, that’s where the inspiration comes from that helps us move forward.”
Vander Kooy’s role encompasses the farm, restaurant and line of products sold across the nation.
“I’m coming aboard to really move it into the future,” he said. “That’s expanding our reach, continuing to work with our farmers to make sure that we’re getting the best quality inputs.”
“As our overall business grows, we find it necessary to find more creative ways that will support us in a competitive market,” said Dr. Fritz Kunz, who founded Traders Point Creamery with his wife, Jane Elder Kunz. “Mark brings a wealth of business experience in this role, and he has been a long-time friend of the creamery.”
