June on the Farm- Growing More Than Pizza
By Kim Hayes – brevity is key during our season!
June on the Farm
One of the most rewarding parts of the pizza farm has nothing to do with pizza at all.
From the very beginning, our mission has included helping teach and develop youth as they enter the workforce. We recently took our 2026 team photo, and it was so much fun to see how our team continues to grow and evolve.
When we opened in 2020, most of our staff was made up of friends, family – volunteering to help the cause. Thanks to all of them!
The others were local neighbors and “kids” as I call them, looking for a summer job.
Every year since, we’ve welcomed a few new faces, usually referred by a current employee or through a parent whose son or daughter is looking for their first work experience.
I conduct interviews with each applicant. I ask about school, activities, and interests. If they’re already customers, I ask what their favorite part of the pizza farm is. The final question is always, “why do you want to work here?”
Over the years, the answers have been surprisingly consistent: they love the feel of the farm, we have fun, they like being outside, and they love our pizza.
During those interviews, I also share something important. I remind them that they’re new and that this may be their very first job. It’s our responsibility to guide, coach and help them learn new skills. Sometimes that means giving direct feedback, tips, or pointers – in the moment. I tell them not to mistake directness for criticism. Every conversation comes from a place of wanting to help them grow and succeed.
As I look back through our annual team photos, I realize that just as our business has grown, so have the “kids” who have made us who we are today.
We’ve celebrated high school and college graduations, marriages, babies, new careers, and even new business ventures. Some have moved away, some have returned, and some stop by just to say hello.
What brings us the most joy is knowing that while they may move on to new chapters in life, they remain part of the Alpha & Omega Farm family.
The pizzas, goats, and beautiful summer evenings may be what bring people to the farm, but it’s our team and the hospitality they provide is the key to our success.
Watching these amazing “kids” gain confidence, learn responsibility, and discover what they’re capable of has been one of the greatest gifts as Brad and I continue on this journey.
To all of our past and present “kids”: thank you for being part of our story. We couldn’t be more proud of who you’ve become.
Alpha & Omega Farm is located in Princeton, Minnesota. The farm hosts regular pizza events featuring wood-fired pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients (pre-orders required), as well as special events throughout the season. To discuss hosting your next event at Alpha & Omega Farm, contact Kim at alphaomegapizzafarm@gmail.com or visit alphaomegafarm.co. And no, that’s not a typo—it’s .co