Mark and Stephanie Wilson are the new owners of Maxbauer Specialty Meat Market. It had been owned by Mike Deering since 1980
TRAVERSE CITY -- A Traverse City market, preparing to celebrate 100 years in business, has new owners.
Mark and Stephanie Wilson, of Traverse City, assumed ownership of Maxbauer Specialty Meat Market. The market had been owned by Mike Deering since 1980.
The purchase of Maxbauer was the answer to a lifelong dream for Mark Wilson. Wilson began his career in the food industry at just 15 years old.
"I was fortunate to train under some wonderful mentors, including Mike Deering," says Wilson, who managed Maxbauer under Deering's direction from 1999 to 2005. Wilson's vision of ownership was something that he shared with Deering early on in the friendship. "I have great respect for that man and his talents behind the meat counter. Mike helped to set my career path for me. I'll never be able to thank him enough for helping me realize my dream."
Several months ago, Deering felt a call to make a move in his life that would again align him with Wilson. The time was right to turn over the reigns. The time was also right for Mark and Stephanie who, coincidentally, were in the market to buy.
"The stars aligned," says Deering. "The timing couldn't have been better for me, and I couldn't feel more comfortable than to turn the store over to Mark. He will surely run Maxbauer with a passion for quality and excellent customer service."
Loyal customers will continue to see a familiar face behind the counter: Deering will stay on full time. "I get to do what I love, too," explains Mike. "And that's cutting meat and taking care of customers."
Maxbauer is located at 407 South Union in Traverse City's Old Town neighborhood and can be found online at maxbauers.com.
