Southern Door Business Association board Vice President Mike Marchant comes from a family deeply rooted in the history and community of Brussels. His grandparents founded Marchant’s Foods in 1947, and today Mike continues the family tradition alongside his wife, Kris, and his brother, Craig. While extended family members have helped throughout the years, the day-to-day operations have remained firmly family-run for generations.

As with many small business owners, Mike wears many hats and helps wherever needed — from the grocery side of the business to filling in wherever support is needed most. In addition to his work at Marchant’s Foods, Mike has served as a supervisor for the Town of Gardner for the past four years, continuing his lifelong commitment to the local community.

Community service has always been an important part of Mike’s life. Shortly after graduating from Southern Door High School in 1982, he joined the Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department, where he served for 22 years. Mike and Kris also owned and operated Quietwoods South Campground for 30 years before selling the business a few years ago.

When asked what he appreciates most about Southern Door, Mike points to the people, the friendships, and the strong small-town sense of community that makes the area special. He has also remained involved with the Southern Door Business Association in various capacities since around 2010, helping support and strengthen the local business community he has called home his entire life.