About DeYoung's Fore Seasons:
For over 15 years, my husband Mark worked in the kitchens throughout the Metro Detroit area. It was there that he found a need for adding extra flavor to the average main entree and side dish. He experimented with several different combinations of herbs and spices until he achieved the exact flavor he was looking for. The final blend was a combination of 18 robust herbs and spices. Mark seasoned fish, wild game, pork, poultry, beef, and vegetables; the spice was incredibly versatile.
About Us:
Mark and I were married in 1995. We were trying to think of unique Christmas gifts to give family and friends without spending alot of money. Mark made his perfected blend and I put the secret recipe in decorative holiday canisters-instant unique gift! In 1999, a family member suggested making the secret blend and selling it; DeYoung's Fore Seasons gourmet spice blend was born.
In 1999, DeYoung's Fore Seasons started with two gourmet retailers when we found out the family was about to get bigger. The whole purpose of this business was to create a financial future for our children. Mark and I held our full time jobs and did the spice business in our spare time. When William came into our lives in March of 2000, we had a tough decision to make. We decided to put the spice business on hold so we could share in the raising of our son. I worked days and Mark worked afternoons, and we did the baby swap at 3:00 p.m. William was only 13 months old when we found out another baby was on the way. Gregory came into our lives in December of 2001. Mark and I continued our hectic schedules and baby/toddler swapping until 2005.
2005:
In January of 2005, I decided to leave my outside sales job. The long commute and lack of quality family time were just a few of the contributing factors. I was tired of missing the small milestones of both boys and the school activities parents take for granted. I tried looking for a new career with a more flexible schedule with no success. So Mark and I decided it was time to reintroduce DeYoung's Fore Seasons. Mark continued to hold a full time restuarant management position, while I did all aspects of the business. I contacted retailers from my sales days and local media with our product, story, and purpose with overwhelming responses and support.
2006:
DeYoung's Fore Seasons is carried in over 40 stores throughout the Metro Detroit area, and a two store chain in Florida. We also provided online purchasing as we strived to go national.
2007:
Our store list continues to grow. We are now in over 50 stores throughout Michigan. We also started hitting the road. We joined a great group of people with "Shipshewana on the Road" and travel throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. 2007 ended tough as I lost my dad to Alzheimer's November 3.
We would like to take this time to thank:
Our retail partners for carrying and promoting our product. You believed in and supported a very small business with big hearts and dreams. We will be forever grateful.
All of our friends and family for your love and support during these past couple years. There are too many of you to mention, but you know who you are.
To all of our Guardian Angels, I feel you are looking down upon us every day. I feel there are several for the DeYoungs. My Beautiful Aunt Suzie Q, who left us too early in this life, taught me if you truly want something to happen in your life:
"Send it out to the Universe"
You are in our thoughts and hearts every minute of every day!!!
The DeYoungs-
Mark, Becky,William, and Gregory