By Lucia Viti

Local entrepreneur operates Simply Local shops and several farmers markets

Brian Beevers is the tour de force driving the success of the Golden Hill Farmers Market and North Park’s artisan retail store Simply Local, among his other enterprises.

Beevers heeds every detail to sustain the concept that home grown and handmade support the residential economy. From providing fresh, pesticide-free produce, craft food and art to serving as a jamboree for families and neighbors, Beevers’ markets remain a cornerstone in reviving the lost art of everything local. Farmers who labor against a backdrop of large retail chains and artists who cannot afford commercial rent now have the opportunity to share their livelihoods and artistic talents while local businesses benefit from increased foot traffic.

The City Heights resident described his start in the world of farmers markets as a “haphazard” accident.

“I interviewed for a managerial position with the City Heights Farmers Market — despite having no former experience — because the job sounded interesting,” the former website developer said. “I clicked on the first day. I enjoyed recruiting and managing vendors, planning the schematics of traffic control, setting up barricades, booths and canopies, and ensuring that everyone had the correct permits, proper insurance qualification and completed applications. The handfuls of tasks are those one would do when running a business.”

Two years later, Beevers opened his first farmers market in Mission Valley. Golden Hill, University Towne Center and Point Loma followed suit.

“I ride life like it’s a wave,” he said. “In 2009, I opened my first farmers market in Mission Valley thinking, ‘OK, let’s see how far I can ride this wave.’ Today I can honestly say, I’ve found my niche.”

Farmers markets are living, breathing organisms that require an “artistic” balance between produce vendors, craft food and artwork, he said. Pedestrian traffic depends upon the location and markets will grow or shrink based on community support.

“If a community supports a market, it will grow to support that community,” the Point Loma Nazarene University graduate said. “Every market’s a risk that I’m willing to take if I see it as a viable opportunity. Establishing a new farmers market gives the community the option of purchasing fresh, locally grown, pesticide-free produce as opposed to buying from a large grocery chain that gets its produce from who knows where. But the community mindset must take hold or the market is here and gone.”

Although no one is more determined to support local businesses, farmers, artists and residents than Beevers, the 42-year-old is quick to admit that he had to earn his reputation to achieve a loyal clientele.

“My reputation has been built on my work ethic,” he said. “Vendors follow me because they know I’m honest, hard-working and I care about their business. All vendors have price points to put their sticks in the ground and I don’t duplicate vendors. That is, I won’t bring in 10 cookie craftsmen just to make a profit. The vendors need to make money or I lose all integrity. Everyone who fits the criteria gets a chance. And I won’t give a product the thumbs up — no matter how unique it may be — if I know it won’t sell. I won’t set anyone up for failure.”

Beevers remains adamant in his dedication to support local farmers, stating that “produce gets first priority. We’re there because of the farmers. This is a community market, not a tourist market.”

Beevers stressed that vendors who display their wares at farmers markets enhance their businesses.

“New businesses must view selling at a farmers market as inexpensive advertising,” he said. “Products gain or lose traction simply by being viewed. Products that resonate sell well.”

Simply Local was Beevers’ retail co-op solution for artists who have neither the time nor the money to launch their own shop in a prime location. Designed to showcase local artists and small businesses, the gift store has a huge social media following and was recently voted “best place for local goods” by San Diego Magazine.

“Simply Local features a phenomenal selection of artists who offer a high quality product.” he said. “Approximately 85 percent of what is sold is locally made. Imported items must be super cool and sold as merchandise within the local business.”

Sarah Larson, owner of Often Wander, an eclectic collection of jewelry, candles, succulents and vintage home décor, is one of Beevers’ many success stories.

“Simply Local offers growing businesses a platform to connect with the community,” the former professional dancer said. “Brian’s a true leader with an amazing network of people filtered through his farmers markets and Simply Local retail locations. Simply Local is the perfect stage for a new business looking to get their name out.”

Beevers opened Simply Local in Downtown’s refurbished Police Headquarters almost two years ago, then added North Park’s Simply Local a year later. Admitting that profits aren’t “huge,” Beevers stressed that revenues don’t determine or diminish his motivated hustle.

“I work a lot,” he concluded. “But I love what I do. Simply Local and the farmers markets are my children. And I intend to continue to grow each one of them.”

—Contact Lucia Viti at [email protected].