Staff

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 our Supplement Manager and one of our grocery purchasers, bringing over 20 years of experience to Gentle Rain. 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 ongoing training ensures that customers receive the most accurate and up-to-date information.

In addition to managing our supplement department, Sara plays an important role in purchasing grocery products, helping to ensure we offer high-quality items that meet the needs of our customers. Her extensive knowledge, attention to detail, and passion for health and wellness make her an invaluable resource for both our team and the people we serve.

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.

RUTH is currently off on medical leave. We miss her  and look forward to her return.

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.

VICTORIA is one of our grocery purchasers, bringing a unique blend of creativity, organization, and expertise to the Gentle Rain team. With a keen attention to detail and an eye for aesthetics, she excels at creating visually appealing displays whenever space permits, helping to make the shopping experience more inviting for our customers. As an artist by trade, Victoria’s creativity and artistic vision can be seen throughout the store in the thoughtful ways she presents our products.

Her creativity extends beyond the store as she also creates gift baskets for charitable donations, sharing the spirit of Gentle Rain with our community.

Her passion, imagination, and dedication make Victoria a valued member of our team and an important part of the continued growth and evolution of Gentle Rain.

GABRIELE (Gabe) is an integral member of our Supplements Team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a passion for natural health to Gentle Rain. With a background in clinical herbalism and as the owner of her own small herbal business, Singing Nettles Herbs, she has a deep appreciation for plants and their traditional uses.

In addition to purchasing our fresh produce, Gabe oversees the bulk foods and herb and spice departments. She carefully manages purchasing, organization, and inventory, creating efficient systems that make it easier for both staff and customers to find the products they need. Her dedication to quality, attention to detail, and commitment to sharing her knowledge make her an invaluable resource and a treasured member of the Gentle Rain team.

Singing Nettles Herbs snettlesherbs@gmail.com 

https://www.singingnettlesherbs.com/ 

DANIEL is an important member of the Gentle Rain team, serving as one of our grocery purchasers while also helping to keep our produce department looking fresh, organized, and inviting. With a professional background in graphic design, his creativity can be seen throughout the store, especially in the eye-catching chalkboard artwork that adds a unique and welcoming touch.

In addition to purchasing and design, Daniel assists with receiving incoming orders and helps maintain the cleanliness and organization of our grocery shelves whenever needed. He is passionate about providing excellent customer service and enjoys sharing his product knowledge with customers, making every visit to Gentle Rain a positive and informative experience. His creativity, dedication, and willingness to help wherever needed make him a valued member of our team.

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.

ADALIA is a valued full-time member of the Gentle Rain team and one of our dedicated grocery purchasers. A quick learner with a positive attitude, she has taken on many responsibilities and continues to be a tremendous help in keeping our grocery department well-stocked with quality products for our customers.

When she's not at work, Adalia enjoys challenging herself by mountain climbing and expressing her creativity through sewing. Her willingness to learn, strong work ethic, and adventurous spirit make her an important part of our Gentle Rain family, and we're grateful to have her on our team!

SAMANTHA is a valued member of the Gentle Rain team who brings enthusiasm, dedication, and fresh ideas for the future of our store. She plays an important role in receiving deliveries from our major grocery suppliers, ensuring products arrive accurately and efficiently, while also helping keep our grocery shelves well-stocked and organized.

Samantha also assists our grocery purchasers with inventory management and is currently learning the purchasing role herself. Her eagerness to learn, strong work ethic, and forward-thinking approach make her an important part of our team. We look forward to seeing her continue to grow and contribute to the future of Gentle Rain.