I have been involved in the Hallmark greeting card business from my high school days working for my father when he had only one store in the Colonie Center, I worked part-time evenings and weekends until I went away to college in Oneonta. Summers and holidays were always spent at the store helping out. I worked with my two brothers in the business as we grew to five stores in the capital region.
My brother Scott moved to Rochester in 1990 and owns and operates six Hallmark gold Crown stores in Rochester market area. In 1991 I decided to go out on my own and bought two stores from my father. In Colonie Center and Latham circle mall. With the help of NYBDC, I was able to get a loan and started my own company. Today I have seven Hallmark Gold Crown stores in the Capital Region from Glens Falls to East Greenbush, Clifton Park, Scotia, Latham, Saratoga, and Colonie. I also have a Candle store in Colonie Center called Candles n More, we are in our eighth year there and feature Yankee Candle as our main vendor.
This summer we will be opening a store in East Greenbush next to our Hallmark store called Effie & Isabel’s Giftique. Product lines such as Vera Bradley, Pandora Jewelry, Crabtree & Evelyn and Alex & Ani Jewelry will be featured in this store.
Over the years I have always enjoyed working in the social expression business helping people connect with people, there is a certain satisfaction that comes with this business, from a wonderful staff that I work with every day to so many great customers that to we meet along the way.
