LOCATED IN THE HEART OF OLD TOWN
Name of Business Old Town General Store How long have you been in business? 7 years in April 2020 What separates your company from others locally in your industry? We are a general store that stocks a large selection of items. We're a place where you can find everything from food gifts to soaps, beard oil to frozen pasties, beer and wine to t-shirts, socks to cards, and so much more all in one place. As a business owner you had options, what led you to choosing this industry? I came from a retail plant nursery background where I did the purchasing of all the gift items, tropical plants, cut flowers, and garden gifts as well as managing individuals. I wanted to do something different but yet similar. With a strong desire to keep our local economy vibrant, I started to make contact with many farmers and creatives at farm markets. This inspired me to try my hand at food items because back in 2013, Old Town was quite a food desert. Sourcing food from local vendors led
to sourcing gift items to supplement our vast assortment of amazing Michigan products. Today, we are still invested in our local economy as well as our community. What advice would you give to a homeowner or business looking to hire a company in your industry? It is very tempting to price shop but please keep in mind that when you support a small business, you are supporting the local economy. Not all small businesses are the same, look for a company that will provide great customer service, communicates well, and empowers their employees to resolve issues. Your time is valuable and you want to be able speak to someone who can help when you call instead of passing you on to someone else.
What is your favorite aspect of your company? Working with all the Michiganders that create wonderful things for me to sell at the Old Town General Store and talking to all the travelers that pass through. Sustaining a continued relationship with our regulars is also right on the top of the list. Tell us briefly about your family. I have a grown married daughter, who is my bookkeeper, and two adorable grandchildren who often come in and "work" at the store. I live on a farm where we grow organic hay and lease land to a farmer that produces vegetables for local restaurants. My sister is the owner and operator of the Old Town Pilates Studio. My parents have both passed away. My brother is retired from the State of Michigan and lives in Lansing. My life partner is the Ukulele Ambassador of Michigan, he really is! He is also the founder of the Music Is The Foundation non-profit.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not running your business? I enjoy gardening and making my house look pretty. I love spending time with my grandbabies and looking at life through their eyes; which makes me appreciate the simple things so much more. I like entertaining, cooking and creating projects around my house. I enjoy seeing live music at small venues and traveling a few times a year. During warm weather, I like to sit quietly and look out over the hay field and listen to the birds; sometimes with a glass of wine. What is your favorite thing to do in Lansing? Attend local festivals, listen to live music at the Robin Theatre and other small venues, eat at locally-owned restaurants, and enjoy the diversity of the Lansing community. What is your favorite local non-profit? Downtown Lansing Partnership Inc. and Music Is the Foundation.
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