Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Rex.
Hi Bryan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
How I got into the business was because I lost my job in the textile business. Textiles were slowly going to China and other foreign countries. I couldn’t find a job no matter how hard I tried. To stay afloat financially I started selling all my furniture. Furniture that I paid a fortune for I was having to sell for pennies on the dollar. As I sold my furniture I had to go to yard sales to try to replace what I sold. My house slowly turned into a hodgepodge of furniture. Guess what? My friends loved my house furnished with second hand junk!! They said it was way cooler than that terrible newer stuff. This started the fever inside me to “buy junk and sell antiques” as the old story goes. Rented a small building In Milledgeville and the rest is history. I grew from one store to six over a period of several years. Downsized down to two stores after the 2008 and 09 recession. Now I am back up to four antique malls now.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not a smooth road! Finding affordable locations was always a constant challenge. Finding employees, and finding good quality inventory.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about J&K Fleas An’Tiques. www.j-and-k-enterprises.com?
I am the owner of four antique malls and owner operator of our estate sale business. I am known for having good quality antiques and a good selection at fair prices. Also known for carrying a large year round collection of Ceramic Christmas trees and Fitz and Floyd Santa’s. Our holiday decor stays out year round. After being in business 33 years I am really knowledgeable about the market. Our estate sale business is up and running and doing very well because I know the market and don’t have to look up everything.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Opening a store back in my home town that I left 26 years ago. I left because I couldn’t make a living there. It was a very tough market. I was so worried about it making it. Been open 14 months and the store is doing phenomenal!! I guess every time I opened another location I was talking a risk.
Pricing:
- Current market trends.
- Rarity
- Google Lens research
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.j-and-k-enterprises.com
- Facebook: J&K Fleas An’Tiques of Madison
