There's theory, and then there's reality.
As a finance professor at Bowling Green State University, Terry Richardson knew that starting his own business - HobbyTown USA - would be a struggle.
"I was aware of the basics, things that have to do with cash flow, adequate capital, control of finances," he said.
But he admits there was much he never anticipated.
Like the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that cut consumer spending just weeks after he opened in 2001. Or the state's decision in 2002 to widen Airport Highway over a two-year period, limiting access to the Spring Meadows Shopping Center, where his hobby and leisure activity store is located.
But before choosing a business that he could ease into and take into retirement, Mr. Richardson had one big requirement: that it be fun.
"I asked myself, 'What kind of business do I want to be involved with?' " he said. "So I spent time looking for a business activity that was both exciting and fun ... and one that could be lived off of."
When HobbyTown offered him a locally owned franchise, he accepted.
"We are essentially five stores in one. We're a model store, a game store, a toy store, a train store, and a slot car store," he said.
HobbyTown specializes in traditional men's hobbies, including radio-controlled cars, boats, and planes; plastic models; model railroading, slot cars, strategy and family games, rockets and kites, science kits, and model-painting tools and accessories.
It also carries a variety of educational toys. But its biggest breadwinner is radio-controlled items, which are about 45 percent of its business.
Such toys were popular in the 1990s, and now model trains are coming back in a big way, he explained. As a result, he has built a large model train display.
After a humbling start, the store is back on track, this year moving into a 7,000-square-foot former KB Toys site, which doubled sales space.
After 14 years of teaching college, he gave up his teaching job at Bowling Green last year, allowing him to manage the store full time, he added.
Now, he said, the store is more efficient and has less waste, and he makes quicker decisions.
"This bigger place is more expensive, but that's something I knew beforehand," Mr. Richardson said. "It's a tough market to be in. Disposable income is not great, and selling leisure-time products is hard."
Yet HobbyTown has managed to establish credibility with area hobbyists by providing good selection, prompt service, and an educated sales staff.
Steve Scanes, former vice president of the Blissfield (Mich.) Model Railroad Club, one of the largest train hobbyist groups in the area with 30 active members, said he likes the store because it stays focused on its customers.
The store has a good inventory as far as specialty items, he said. "They're very good at fulfilling our needs and getting special orders in a timely manner," Mr. Scanes said.
HobbyTown can't possibly provide a wide selection for the advanced hobbyist, Mr. Richardson said, but it strives to be the place for those trying out a hobby, such as model trains.
"You've got to play to your strengths," he said. "Our strength is on service and expertise. You can't get that on eBay."
Contact Jon Chavez at: jchavez@theblade.com or 419-724-6128.
Small Business Profile is a weekly feature on local companies. To be considered, send information about your company to Small Business Profiles, Business News, The Blade, P.O. Box 921, Toledo, Ohio 43697-0921.
First Published September 25, 2006, 11:02 a.m.
