Eric and Marsha Eberhardt helped establish The Gentle Rain in 1979. The business grew quickly and moved to a larger space at 30 Rebecca Street in 1989. A few renovations and additions later, we are still growing. This year we celebrate 36 years in business!!!

In July 2010, Eric passed away. He will always be remembered by customers and staff for all of his accomplishments with the store and in the community.

In July 2014, Marsha made the decision to retire, selling the store to Brendan Davidson.

BRENDAN, OWNER is the owner of Gentle Rain, a role he embraced in July 2014 when he purchased the store from Marsha. Having grown up in his mother's health food store, The Stone Store in Guelph, Brendan has a long-standing passion for promoting health and wellness. In 2005, he further expanded his expertise by acquiring Green Valley Health & Herbs in Elmira, ON.

SARA is the Supplement Manager, bringing over 20 years of experience to our store. Renowned as our resident supplement expert, she is dedicated to staying informed about the latest products and emerging research in the field. Her commitment to continuous learning through reading and training ensures that customers receive the most accurate and relevant information. Sara's extensive knowledge, combined with her passion for health and wellness, makes her an invaluable resource for both our team and our customers.

BECKY has been a valued member of our team for over 25 years, specializing in packaging our bulk flours, grains, nuts, seeds, spices, and herbs. Her dedication to her work is evident in the care and pride she takes in every task. Known for her sense of humor, Becky loves to share jokes and brighten the atmosphere with her wonderful laugh. Her longstanding commitment and positive energy make her an essential part of our store.

ANITA has been passionate about health and nutrition for over 35 years, establishing herself as a trusted resource for our customers. Her extensive knowledge equips her to assist those navigating food restrictions, providing tailored guidance and support. As she gradually reduces her hours in preparation for her full retirement, Anita continues to embody the values of our organization. We deeply appreciate her dedication and the wealth of experience she brings to our team.

ADRIENNE is a dedicated purchaser in our supplement room, bringing a wealth of knowledge across all areas of the store. Her expertise extends beyond supplements; as a pet owner, she is well-versed in natural products tailored for your furry friends. Adrienne's positive attitude and collaborative spirit make her a pleasure to work with, enriching our team and enhancing the customer experience. We are proud to have her as part of our staff.

NANCY serves as our Office Manager, expertly handling a range of behind-the-scenes operations, including managing our website and web cart. She plays a vital role in staff scheduling and coordination, ensuring smooth operations within the team. A positive force, Nancy also utilizes her skills in Photoshop to meet our marketing needs, contributing to our brand's visual presence. Her dedication and efficiency make her an invaluable asset to our organization.

BARB is our part-time grocery receiver and stocker, bringing a wealth of knowledge about health and nutrition to our team. As a dedicated grandmother, she is passionate about learning more to support the well-being of her grandchildren. Barb’s commitment to health makes her an essential part of our operations. Her enthusiasm for wellness is evident in everything she does.

LAURIE is our primary grocery purchaser, actively engaged in receiving orders and organizing new products. With a keen eye for innovation, she delights in seeking out exciting items, especially those requested by customers. Laurie's enthusiasm for her work is matched only by her great sense of humor, making her a lively and enjoyable presence in our store. Her dedication to meeting customer needs while maintaining a positive atmosphere is invaluable to our team.

RUTH is our delightful part-time cashier, known for her friendly demeanor and exceptional customer service. In addition to her role at The Gentle Rain, she showcases her creativity through her functional works of art, branded as "Creations by Ruth," which are available for sale in-store. Her unique blend of artistic talent and warm personality adds a special touch to our shopping experience, making her a beloved member of our team.

ALICIA is a valued member of our supplement staff and a certified Holistic Nutritionist. As one of the purchasers in the supplement area, she brings a wealth of knowledge to our team, ensuring that we offer the best products for our customers' wellness needs. Her exceptional organizational skills and expertise enhance our operations significantly. We are fortunate to have Alicia’s insights and dedication, which contribute greatly to our mission of promoting health and nutrition.

DONNA plays a key role in our store, assisting in various capacities with a focus on our bread purchasing. She is always on the lookout for innovative products to enhance our inventory, and embodies a strong work ethic that we deeply appreciate. Known for her exceptional customer service, Donna warmly greets every customer who enters the store, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Her dedication and proactive approach make her an invaluable member of our team.

WENDY is our dedicated bulk purchaser, a role that involves significant responsibility and organization. Her passion for detailed organization is a tremendous asset to our operations, ensuring that our bulk products are managed efficiently. In addition to her purchasing duties, Wendy assists with receiving grocery orders, demonstrating her strong work ethic and commitment to our team. Her contributions play a vital role in maintaining the quality and availability of our inventory.

VICTORIA serves as one of our grocery purchasers, bringing a unique blend of creativity and expertise to our team. With a keen attention to detail and an eye for aesthetics, she excels in crafting visually appealing displays whenever space permits. An artist by trade, Victoria's artistic sensibility enhances our product presentation and enriches the shopping experience for our customers. We are fortunate to have her talents on board, contributing to our commitment to quality and innovation. 

GABRIELE (Gabe) is an integral member of our Supplements Team, serving as a purchaser for our fresh produce. With a background in clinical herbalism and her own small herbal business, Singing Nettles Herbs, she brings a deep passion and extensive knowledge of plants and plant medicine. Gabe's expertise not only enriches our offerings but also enhances our commitment to holistic health. Her dedication to quality and education makes her a valuable resource for both our team and our customers.

Singing Nettles Herbs snettlesherbs@gmail.com 

https://www.singingnettlesherbs.com/ 

DANIEL is primarily focused on organizing our produce section, ensuring that everything is visually appealing and inviting. As a professional Graphic Designer, his artistic talent is showcased throughout the store, particularly in the beautiful creations he crafts on our chalkboards. In addition to his design work, Daniel assists with receiving incoming orders and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of our grocery shelves when time allows. His passion for customer service is evident, as he enjoys sharing his knowledge with others, enhancing the overall shopping experience for our customers.

LEO is our part-time student team member, dedicated to stocking shelves and ensuring that our products remain fresh and well-presented. Balancing his work with a busy schedule, Leo also plays the drums in a band and participates in hockey. His enthusiastic spirit and commitment to quality make him a valuable asset to our team. We are fortunate to have such a dynamic young man contributing to our store.