About Apples » Meet our Growers » Richard Koziski
Getting Started: Richard Koziski purchased and began operating the Dexter Cider Mill in 1986. At the time, he thought the move would be a great way to transition into retirement. A Ford employee for 35 years, mostly in management, Richard wanted another job to keep him busy. Having spent time in Greenfield, Mass. earlier in his life, Richard recalled enjoying picking apples and tasting cider. So when the mill went up for sale, it seemed like the perfect fit. For the first few years, Richard had time to kick back and welcome mill guests from a comfy chair on the porch. Over time, however, business increased and the days of relaxation passed. Now the mill is in what Richard calls a "transparent transition," as his youngest daughter, Nancy Steinhauer, has taken over operations. Nancy was still living at home when Richard bought the mill. She worked at the mill through high school and college and has developed a close connection to the business.
History: The Dexter Cider Mill is the oldest and longest continuously operating cider mill in Michigan. Peter VanNatter, a Civil War veteran, opened the mill in 1886. Richard bought it in the year of its 100th anniversary from the Wagner family, who had owned it for 90 years. Richard wants to maintain the heritage of the mill and has made a personal effort to preserve the historical appearance, as well as continue to use the wood-press cider-making process. A duplicate of the mill's press is domiciled at Greenfield Village. Because of its proximity to the University of Michigan, the mill has enjoyed many years of sharing cider with students who visit each year. Here Richard and family are able to share an American tradition with visitors from around the world. In addition, Richard and his daughter conduct fall session with Dexter's second grade students studying local history.
Years in Industry: 22 years
Family: Married to Katherine, daughters Mary Sue, Julie, Jean and Nancy
Memberships and Organizations: Michigan Cider Makers Guild
What's New: Richard likes to treat cider making much like making wine. He understands that like wine, people who enjoy cider will enjoy ciders with different tastes, consistencies and thickness. He provides cider from early-season, mid-season and late-season and educates customers on the differences. He often relates what types of wine his patrons enjoy to what types of cider they will like. Offering ciders to match personal tastes, as well as informing consumers when they are available is an important service provided by the mill. And the cider sells quickly, within 24 to 48 hours.
Until this past June, Richard had been president of the Michigan Cider Makers Guild, a group of 25-30 cider producers around the state that promote fine cider and businesses like his own. Guild members believe in producing high quality cider and want consumers to know and appreciate the taste of fresh cider, rather than cider made from concentrate. Two main issues for the group have been to label fresh cider made in Michigan and to make cider the official drink of the state of Michigan. Giving Michigan cider a brand name will allow consumers to know that the quality and freshness of the cider is of the highest standards. They believe in the historical heritage and importance of cider and came up with the slogan: "Cider - Taste our Heritage." Both state and national government have recognized the guild's efforts on safe food handling and proper cider-making techniques.
Why cider? Efforts made by the Guild, and most notably Richard, to make cider the official beverage of Michigan, have valid points. Currently, Michigan does not have an official beverage and no other state calls cider its official drink. Michigan is the third largest producer of apples in the nation and cider is an important part of Michigan apple heritage. Promoting locally-grown and locally-produced ciders helps to reduce costs of shipping from other parts of the country and from foreign producers. Richard and the other members believe that declaring cider the official beverage will help promote cider and cider producers, and help to compete against foreign competition. Richard went before the Michigan House of Representatives in the fall of 2007 encouraging passage of a bill to designate cider as the official beverage. As of summer 2008, the bill had moved into the State Agricultural committee, but had not been passed.