Don Snow excited to continue the growth of Harvest Ridge
New Fairgrounds at Harvest Ridge Director Don Snow joins outgoing Director Pat Martin. Martin will stay on board as the office manager and will help Snow learn the ropes as he eases into the role.
When Don Snow put together a pros and cons list of details concerning the possibility of becoming Harvest Ridge’s new director, one common theme kept cropping up that continued to draw him toward applying for the job.
The topic that headed the pro’s list was the generosity and kindness of the people.
“Whenever I was around everyone involved here, they were so kind, thoughtful and helpful, and they made me feel at home here,” Snow said. “I never thought I’d be in this position, but the opportunity was enticing, and the job description was something I felt comfortable with, so I decided to go for it.”
Snow applied for the job, and current Harvest Ridge Director Pat Martin, who was involved in the hiring process, said there was little doubt Snow was their man.
“Don had a hometown feel to him that made us feel like he would be a tremendous fit and perfect for the job,” Martin said. “He even mentioned he loves what has been built here and was excited to help it grow. When he said that, it showed us his passion and desire to step in and work hard to promote Harvest Ridge.”
In construction for 17 years, Snow has dealt with people his whole life, and as a lifelong Holmes Countian from Killbuck, he already knows the county and its people.
“I was looking to get outside the box and challenge myself with something new, and I feel really great about the opportunity to dive in here and get to work,” Snow said. “I’m very excited because I enjoy people and I think I can help make people feel at home here, which is very much a Holmes County trait.”
One of the biggest benefits Snow will have is being able to lean on Martin, who will continue a part-time role at Harvest Ridge, and Tim Hershberger, who serves as the Harvest Ridge maintenance and grounds director.
He said the two veterans are being very patient with him as he gets his feet wet in his new role.
“They’ve been incredible, and the board has been so welcoming and kind and has made me feel right at home,” Snow said. “I’m not looking to change anything major. I just want to continue to grow the direction in which they are moving and serve this community and Harvest Ridge to the best of my ability.”
Snow said stepping into the role days before the Holmes County Fair has its pluses and minuses, but he said getting thrown into the fire for the fair is good because he will get to meet so many people connected to the fairgrounds and Harvest Ridge.
Plus, he said the fair board takes care of most everything during fair week, so he can settle into observation mode and learn the ropes.
He said patience will be a virtue as he gets to know the position and his role of running everyday operations at Harvest Ridge.
He knows his main purpose will be to promote Harvest Ridge and entice groups of all sizes to make the grounds their home for a day or two or even a week.
“There’s never a dull moment,” Snow said. “I’m excited about the chance to make a difference and to play a big role here.”
Snow has been married to his wife Toby for 27 years, and they have three children: Wyatt, 26; Jared, 23, who is in nursing school; and Miley, 16, who is currently a junior at West Holmes.
Snow said getting to raise his family in Holmes County has been a huge blessing for his entire family, and he can’t imagine raising them anywhere else.
Snow joined Ron Hay and was instrumental in building the West Holmes pee wee football program, and his children have been heavily involved with many activities in the school district over the years.
“This community is special, and so is what we are doing here at Harvest Ridge,” Snow said. “I’m grateful to have this opportunity.”
As for Martin, the chance to slow down and trim her days at Harvest Ridge down to a couple of days a week as office manager is something she’s been looking forward to for some time.
She said her time at Harvest Ridge the past four years has taught her a lot and helped her appreciate the community even more.
“I love the people of this community and those who take the opportunity to come here from out of town and make Harvest Ridge their home for a day or two,” Martin said. “It was an honor to step into this role for four years and help out. This place has been in my blood for a long time, and I have really enjoyed the variety of events that have allowed us to be part of something unique and enjoyable every time a new group came in.”
She said she is looking forward to spending more time at home and will do plenty of camping while Snow is looking forward to having her around to teach him the ropes and how to handle the nuances of serving as the director at Harvest Ridge.