Oct 13, 2008

Patterry has something for everyoneBy Ashley StamperWNewsJ.com

Starting a business from scratch is a large task, and entrepreneurship requires much courage and perseverance. A new business can face many obstacles and setbacks, which can be discouraging.

However, Pat and Terry Thompson are two entrepreneurs who show it can be done. They own Patterry — hence, the ode to their names — in downtown Wilmington, and their shop has seen great success since its inception.

After working in a large business setting for most of his career, Terry had ideas about opening his own business.

“We were on a walk downtown when we saw the Foland House for sale. This house had been in the Foland family for more than 140 years,” said Pat. “We thought it would be perfect for the antique and gift store idea. I always remembered a lamp lit in the front window, so when we bought the property, we made sure there was a lamp lit in the window. One of the Foland mothers that lived there lit the lamp when her son went to war and kept it lit to welcome him home. We will always have a light in the window for that reason.”

With such a history, it is appropriate the Foland residence should house antiques, but Patterry is a specialty shop that offers much more. In addition to antiques, the Thompsons sell collectibles and gifts.

“Our business offers something for everyone. We have Ohio State University and other products for sports fans and many items that women love, such as Vera Bradley, She Beads and ideas for home decorating. We also have antiques and various collectible products that attract customers that are traveling to our community,” said Terry.

Pat and Terry work as a team to manage the shop. Pat handles most of the human resources responsibilities, inventory tracking, accounts payable, and general day-to-day operations. Terry is in charge of buying and organizing inventory and daily accounting activities.

They each have their strengths. Terry likes dealing with customers, and Pat likes book work. Terry’s mother, Marjorie Harner, also is a vital part of the team.

“In 2001, Terry left his job at Addison McKee to open the shop. Once he had it established, he asked his mother if she could run it for us while we went back to work because we knew it would be a few years before the business would make enough profit to replace our paying jobs. She agreed, and we could not have done it without her,” said Pat.

Read complete article.