Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Cade.
Tony, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m the owner of Challenges Games and Comics, Dekalb County’s Premier comic book and gaming store. With the opening of my first shop, I would like to believe I’ve been helping to groom urban geeks and nerds since 1995. I’m also the founder of Terminus Media, an Atlanta based comic book, animation, and publishing company specializing in Edutainment products for corporate and government agencies such as the Center for Disease Control. I’ve been an avid chess player and comic book collector since the age of nine, I’ve also worn various hats in Atlanta Fandom, such as former staff photographer for Atlanta Fantasy Fair and DragonCon. And for the last four years, I’ve been the lead organizer for the Atlanta Sci-Fi and Fantasy Expo.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think owning any business is easy. Luckily, I’m doing something that I really enjoy. But I’ve never had deep pockets or taken out a loan to grow my business. In this new age of Amazon and Walmart, it’s impossible for me to compete in price. But I try to offer services and events that customers find value in. I have had to grow and diversify in order to survive. I’m also at the mercy of the quality of the comics and games put out by the publishers. If they produce sub-par products. I’m stuck with merchandise I can’t sell or return.
Please tell us about Challenges Games and Comics.
Challenges Games and Comics is a very diverse shop. We carry many types of board, miniature and cards games. Along with having plenty of gaming space for customers to use. We also co-host free tutoring classes for middle school students. Because of our mall traffic, we also sell more panties, onesies and yoga pants compared to most comic book shops.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Going undefeated for the weekend while participating in the Georgia Scholastic Team Chess Championships.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2050 Lawrenceville Hwy. Suite A-18
Decatur, Ga. 30033 - Website:www.challengesgames.com
- Phone:678-973-0410
- Email:info@challengesgames.com
- Instagram:www.instagram.com/challengesgames/
- Facebook:www.facebook.com/challengesgamescomics/
- Twitter:twitter.com/challengesGA
Image Credit:
Photos by Tony Cade
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