05/12/2026
Now that it’s all said and done, the last v**e sold, the last display case empty, I want to thank you.
Thank you to the people who supported me from day one and to the customers who found me recently. You all made it possible for me to live out a crazy idea I had.
Everyone told me it wouldn’t work, well, for nearly 3 years it did. People said the town was too small, the city council too stubborn. But with your help and support we made it happen. I can now also say this;
More and More frequently, in recent months, I heard this.. “Thank goodness you’re here, I forgot to get one when I was at work in Ames” or whatever town. And that is, I believe, why I had to shut down. It was even more evident when I started to clearance things out in the last week. People came out of the woodwork that I had seen maybe once or twice in the last 3 years. So, without sounding whiny I want to say, Supporting small, local businesses, is not only when it’s convenient for you. So, if something opens in town that is similar, I would ask you to consider buying there most of the time. Obviously there will be situations in which you don’t have much choice. It might mean waiting a bit to get what you want, it might mean spending $1 more. But the business will survive, it will be there when you need it, and someone like me will be able to live their dream. Most importantly, our town will thrive.
I understand, people could get them way cheaper online or a buck or two cheaper in big cities. That is why I am so incredibly grateful for those who supported me.
If you’re thinking 🤔 “I wonder if he’s talking about me?” Yes I’m talking about you. Thank you!
I met so many incredible people, heard so many stories, learned all the town gossip, saw the tears after an especially rough day at work, I got to see the joy, when a child was born or a couple got married.
It was all an incredible experience and made me appreciate this town, in a way that I don’t think is possible without meeting and getting to know hundreds of people, which I did.
Many days I would feel at the end of my rope after dealing with methamphetamine enthusiasts all day, and then that nice lady that works at the courthouse or the gal who waters the plants at Norbys would come in, cheer me up, make me smile and remind me why I was there.
I especially don’t want my store closing to discourage anyone from chasing their own dream. All you need to do is take that first step, take the chance. I had the benefit of having the most amazing wife. She pushed me ahead when I needed a push. She celebrated every small win with me. She helped me solve any problems that arose and she was there to lie and say it wasn’t my fault when something went wrong 🤣
When I asked her “What happens if it doesn’t work?” She replied: then we will deal with it… together. That is all I needed to hear.
I’ve made some life long friends in that small room and I will never forget the time I spent standing behind that counter waiting for ya’ll to come in and tell me what was new in your life.
Thank you all, I’ll see you at Casey’s.
