What does your business do?
We sell groceries and other general merchandise items through retail. We provide high quality service and high quality goods to the public.
What was the reason for the opening?
John worked for the previous owner and we spent our whole lives in the area, so when the owner decided to retire we bought the business from him. We thought Delphi was a big city and a safe place to be. Everyone needs to eat.
What is the biggest challenge?
Stay competitive in today’s market, keep your customers happy, retain them, and find reliable help/employees who stick around for the duration.
What is the busiest time of the year?
The holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, July 4, Easter – and anytime when families gather for a big meal.
What is the most popular thing you sell and service?
Freshly cut meat and hot deli meats are what people know us best for. We also sell a lot of dairy products and fresh products,
What is the least popular item?
Cleaning products and beauty products
What is the thing you like the most?
Being part of a small community and having a good connection with the people we live with and rely on for the survival of our business, knowing that we are making a difference in people’s lives and in this community.
What’s the best thing about owning your own business?
Being able to rely on my own hard work as a measure of success, not having someone to answer to if things aren’t going well, and not needing anyone’s approval if I want to make a business decision.
What’s the biggest downside?
The stress of knowing that everything is on you if things don’t go well. In the end, it’s all up to you. In the end, it’s all your fault and you will be the one to pay the price. The stress of having all those employees and customers depending on you, not wanting to let anyone down.
What is your company’s biggest misconception?
That we have higher prices than chain stores, or that it is more convenient to go to department stores. It’s not always like that.
How would you describe your business philosophy?
Be honest! Treat my clients well and with respect, take care of my people and they will take care of me; to offer the best possible quality at a fair price for them and me.
When you retire, is there a family member who will take over?
I hope! I’ll tell you when it’s time to retire. I have two sons. One is set in his career as a police officer and the other runs the business with me but discusses a career change. I would be honored if he took over, but I want them both to be happy.
How has your business changed?
Technology has made things totally different, the way the business operates in a more advanced way. You have to change along the way. We depend on it much more today than before and it costs much more.
What advice would you give to someone considering starting a business?
Be ready. Be prepared to work hard – very hard! Be dedicated to seeing your business succeed. You won’t succeed if you’re only part of it. Too many people fail because they have the wrong idea of owning a business and aren’t ready to invest in it.
