ELIOT Orton
Eliot Orton and family.
Vermont Country Store
Career Highlights:
Eliot Orton is the Chair of the Board. My brothers and I share our grandparents' vision for maintaining and thriving communities by providing local support, making decisions at the grassroots level and using our resources to acheive the greatest impact. Even though we have grown into a large company, employing nearly 500 people, we remain a small company at heart.
Community Involvement:
I lead an annual process of giving back to the communities we live and work in with the support of over 600 local organizations through our employee lead action teams, volunteer programs, and community grants.
Favorite part of job?
Having the great fortune to be able to give back, carrying on a tradition and upholding the values of storekeeping that has been in my family for 65 years, and knowing that we are helping our customers to go back to a simpler time while meeting their needs of today.
Most inspiring mentor?
Craig Byrne Chelsea, VT 1963-2010.
Who is your living hero?
Harry Gordon SR. Andover, VT - At age 81 Harry, a lifelong farmer, works circles around two men half his age.
Favorite downtime activity?
Cutting firewood, developing new flavors of Orton Bros. Cookie Buttons, and being with my family, Wife Julie, Leo (2 1/2) and Ella (6 months).
Favorite Vermont Escape?
Green Mountain National Forest.
Favorite social network?
The coffee counter at the Weston Marketplace.
Favorite website?
Is there any other answer, vermontcountrystore.com.
Vermont Business Person you would most want to network with?
Bob Stiller, Green Mountain Coffee.