Business Spotlight – Burmeister’s Old Towne Antiques

0

PENDLETON — Running an antiques shop is a never-ending adventure, Jerry Burmeister said.

“People walk in the door every day selling stuff, and that is part of the fun — you never know what you’re going to find,” said Burmeister, owner of Burmeister’s Old Towne Antiques on State Street in Pendleton.

One day last week, someone brought in two racing trophies — one from a 1948 50-lap midget championship in Kokomo and the other from a 1949 100-lap race in Lafayette.

[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]

In short order, the 70-plus-year-old items had small hand-written price tags dangling from string on top of them.

“I’ll look at anything old,” Burmeister said, explaining that he casts his net wide to add to his inventory.

But just because he looks at it doesn’t mean he’ll buy it.

“I try to be picky,” he said.

He has a flyer customers can take that lists “wanted” items. There are more than 40 categories on the list, including quilts and crocks, old tools and fishing items, and old toys and post cards.

He also has certain categories he avoids, such as glassware, although some types such as Depression glass are still popular.

Burmeister said he’s always ready — as his flyer states — to buy, sell or trade.

But someone might have to offer a tidy sum if they hope to buy the National-brand cash register that sits on the check-out counter.

Burmeister remembers 10 years ago when a man drove up with the register and a giant anvil in the back of his truck.

He passed on the anvil but couldn’t pass up on the register.

That, he said, “is not for sale.”

Business name: Burmeister’s Old Towne Antiques

Business address: 130 W. State St., Pendleton, IN 46064

Business phone number: 765- 623-3395

Business owner(s) names: Jerry Burmeister

Number of employees: 1

Number of years in business: 19 Years

Business services: Buy/sell antiques and collectibles

What made you decide to open your own business? I had set up at antique shows for years and had a booth in different antique malls because I worked as a firefighter for 35 years. The hunt for finding antiques and all the stories that go with them made my personal collection grow so large that I decided that I wanted my own place and purchased this building.

What made you choose Pendleton? Pendleton is such a great little historical town. The community and the customer who visit Pendleton are friendly.

What were the first few years of business operation like — do you have any memorable challenges, successes and/or failures? I was very fortunate to be well received with people of the Town of Pendleton, as well as the surrounding communities. When starting my business, getting my business name out wasn’t as easy as it is today. I was constantly looking for pieces to fill up the store. I was fortunate to have a community that supported my store and helped spread the word of the new business in town. There was another store similar to my antique store, and it helped bring in customers. I have always advertised in the Antique Weekly and still do to this day.

What is your proudest achievement? My proudest achievement is being in business for 19 years and renovation of the storefront. I applauded the town for applying for the grant and love how my building is historically correct.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenge overall in running a business? Watching overall expenses so your business can make a profit. Time is another challenge.

What is the most rewarding part of running a business? The customers you meet are the most rewarding. I enjoy the days where I can go picking to find good antiques for my returning customers. I love the history that goes along with old things. I enjoy explaining to younger customers, who have never seen a rotary or crank telephone, how it works. It is rewarding hearing the stories from my customers’ past when they see a Victrola or old peddle car that might have been at their grandparents’ home.

What are your future plans? I plan on continuing to go on picks and hunt for all the treasures I can find for my customers. I’d also like to add a room and expand the store, if possible, one day.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? I’d like to say “thank You!” I am extremely appreciative of all of the people in the town of Pendleton and the surrounding communities that have helped make Burmeister’s Old Towne Antiques successful for 19 years. I hope to continue growing my business for many years to come.

No posts to display