Stanfley

Continued from page 11

“Most of our equipment is a little oversized for the size that we are, just because we are so busy with our regular jobs and everything else,” he said. “I can’t be here and taking forever.”

For the first time this year, the Stanfleys are taking sap from smaller-scale maple syrup operations in the area, most of whom are just collecting what they can in bags.

“We didn’t know any of these people,” Suzanne said. “As we were cooking throughout the year, they just stopped and said ‘Hey, will you buy our sap?’” Another innovation that has helped their three-person operation is a monitoring system that keeps tabs on the sprawling collection system in the woods, so if there is a leak somewhere, Ben, Suzie and Ben’s dad will all get text messages sent to their phones.

“As soon as something does happen, we can get on it right away,” Ben said.

Still, when it comes to the success of their business, the Stanfleys said it comes down to old-fashioned “hard work and determination” and developing good partnerships with businesses and people like their neighbor, Jim.

Suzie said she and her husband are out in the woods every Saturday and Sunday from as early as November to as late as May, getting everything prepped, maintaining the flow of sap and making repairs as needed.

“You’ve got two months out of the year to make your profit, so you’ve got to be ready for it, and work in the offseason to get everything fine-tuned and ready,” Ben said.

It’s ultimately worth it for the Stanfleys, who not only sell syrup but add it to everything from coffee to ice cream – not to mention French toast for family breakfasts. Their older son, Winston, is almost three and already loves his parents’ signature products.

While it’s not for everyone, Ben said maple syruping can be a great hobby or even a lucrative business.

“What I would say is just start off small and make sure you like it,” he said. “More than likely, you’ll quickly become addicted to it, especially if you like the outdoors and being active.”

Stanfley Farms syrup is sold at a few local stores, including CreekSide Convenience in Owen and WCCN’s Pavilion Cheese, Wine & Gifts in Neillsville, and at Whistling Well apple orchard in Hastings, Minn. and the Vesperman Farms pumpkin patch in Lancaster.

KEEPING BUSY - The Stanfleys stand amongst several barrels of their maple syrup. The tiny jars on top of each barrel are samples used for testing.

STAFF PHOTO/KEVIN O’BRIEN