Homegrown & Heartfelt: How the Longs Cultivate Community

Photo by Karen Presecan

In the quiet South Stafford neighborhood where Robin and Lester Long have made their home since 2011, success is measured not in profits but in community connections. At the heart of their story lies Long Family Markets. This business represents far more than commerce—it's a platform for service, a bridge between generations, and a testament to the power of following one's passion.

A Partnership Built on Service

Robin and Les Long's 25-year journey together began in an unlikely intersection of careers—she in healthcare, he served our nation in uniform. "We met when I was working in healthcare, and Les had a career in the US Army," Robin recalls. "We have both since moved on to other things, career-wise, in addition to the market. Les works for the FBI, and I do consulting work."

Les's military service is a testament to the Long family's unwavering commitment to service. After 30 years in the Army, including five combat tours throughout the Middle East, he retired as a decorated enlisted soldier. His accolades include three Bronze Stars and the Legion of Merit award—honors that Robin mentions with evident pride, though she notes he won't want to share such details himself.

The transition from military life to civilian careers might have marked the end of their service-oriented lifestyle, but for the Longs, it merely took a different form. "Community Service is something we are both very passionate about and love that we are able to use the market as a platform to help families in our community," Robin explains.

From Healthcare to Farmers Markets

Robin's career evolution reflects a journey of adaptation and pursuit of a passion project. Her healthcare background included work as a surgical technician and later in administration, with one particularly meaningful role in harvesting bone and tissue for the American Red Cross. "Of all the jobs I've held through the years, that is one that I miss the most... I was always seeing and learning something new," she reflects. "I think the learning aspect and knowing that the result of my efforts helped people in need made it one of the more rewarding ventures in my career."

When she relocated to Virginia in 2011 to join Les during his Pentagon assignment, Robin initially planned to take a break from her healthcare career. That break lasted exactly one month. "I lasted about a month of staying at home before I started baking and turned that passion into a business," she says. That boutique bakery business, called Lovely, became her entry point into the farmers market world— a decision that would reshape not only their family's future but the local market landscape in Stafford. 

A Multi-Generational Enterprise

What makes Long Family Markets truly special is its multi-generational approach. In 2015, Robin and Les formalized their partnership through Long & Long LLC, operating as Long Family Markets. By 2022, they welcomed their daughter Elizabeth as a partial owner, creating a true family enterprise.

Elizabeth Long, who just recently received her Associate's Degree in Business Administration at Germanna Community College, embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that defines her family. She owns and operates Color Puff Candy, a business entering its sixth year that has helped fund her education while teaching her valuable business skills.

And business is in her blood. Elizabeth is set to launch her second business venture, Sugar & Pop, which will be a colorful, fun popcorn business, and continue her education [online] at Cornell University come fall. 

"She has used her business as a platform to fund her education and has a passion for entrepreneurship," Robin proudly notes. Beyond her own business ventures and educational pursuits, Elizabeth serves on the Long & Long LLC board as an advisor and coaches the Stafford High School Step Team. "I will try not to 'proud Mom' too much," Robin laughs, "but she is a very driven and impressive young lady. I am so honored to be able to work with her and love being able to hear her ideas and see her vision for our business growth."

Life Beyond Business

The Long family's Stafford home reflects their values of connection—both to the community and to each other. Their household resembles a small menagerie, housing five dogs led by Manley, a Cavachon father, along with three of his offspring: Brown, Coco, and Manley Jr. (affectionately called MJ despite being female). Their newest addition, Sunday, came from a rescue visit at the marketplace—a Chiweenie named for being one of their "Sunday Blessings." The animal family extends to four parakeets, several fish, a guinea pig named Squeak, and Pancetta, a hairless guinea pig whose name reflects Robin's culinary humor.

Robin's personal interests center around simple pleasures that feed both body and soul. "I am a bookworm at heart and love to read. It's not unusual for me to read a book or two every week," she shares. Her gardening passion extends to growing much of their summer food, while her cooking adventures take place in a brick oven that Elizabeth built in the center of their garden.

Their choice to settle in Stafford reflects an intentional balance between accessibility and tranquility. "We chose this part of Virginia because it was close enough for my husband to commute to the Pentagon, but far enough from DC that there were still some more rural parts - which we prefer to live in," Robin explains.

Finding Community Connection

For Robin, the most rewarding aspect of their life in Stafford centers on relationships. "I would have to say it's the people here," she says when asked what she enjoys most about the area. "I am from a fairly rural area– more ‘small town’ and we love the sense of community we have built here with the market and our neighbors."

The farmers market has become more than a business venue: it’s “my happy place,” Robin shares. She describes the joy of seeing regular customers who have become friends and connecting with new people. "I try hard to take the time to stop and talk and get to know the people that come through the marketplace and, honestly, have formed a lot of friends that are family relationships through the market."

When not working, the family enjoys the natural beauty of their area, with Government Island and the Crows Nest ranking as favorite outdoor spaces. Amy's Cafe provides occasional dining out, though Robin's love of cooking keeps most meals homemade.

A Legacy of Service

The Long family story illustrates how service takes many forms. From Les's military dedication to Robin's healthcare background, from Elizabeth's entrepreneurial spirit to their collective commitment to the community through Long Family Markets, each chapter reflects a dedication to something greater than individual success.

"Gosh, we sound busy," Robin admits. "We are, but in a lot of ways, the market is more of a love than a job."

In that simple statement lies the secret to their success: when work becomes love– and love becomes service– the result is a life of purpose that enriches not just the family but the entire community.

As they continue to build their business and watch Elizabeth pursue her entrepreneurial dreams, the Longs represent the best of American entrepreneurship: family-centered, community-focused, and grounded in service to others.