Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Friedland.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In college, I studied Sport Management and Marketing. I was also in the Army ROTC program. After graduating from Indiana University, I continued my service in the Indiana National Guard and went off to an active military school at Ft. Benning Georgia. Once I graduated from that school, I had trouble finding work and started working for my father’s accounting firm. After 2 years of working in accounting, one of our clients, the owners of Timeless Toys, were looking to retire. My father and I took this opportunity to see if it was something I would be interested in. I fell in love immediately.
Timeless Toys has been around for 23 years! The original owners. Harry and Martha Burrows, wanted to create an oasis for children within the hustle and bustle of the city. I started working for the Burrows in 2014, while still keeping up with my accounting clients. The Burrows retired in February of 2016, allowing me to take over as the Shopkeeper. Since then, Timeless Toys has expanded into the online market and we are looking to reach new heights in the next year.
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?
It wasn’t a smooth road, but it also wasn’t too rocky. The biggest problem with buying a business is the trying to get the funding to do so. That is a hard road for everyone. The other issues I had were trying to get manufacturers to trust me and give me terms to allow me to have cash flow to run the business. A lot of vendors did not want to cooperate with me because I was unknown. This is very difficult since we were not necessarily a startup company. I was taking over a company that had been around for 22 years and had a certain standard to uphold that had been established by the previous owners.
The hours are also not the easiest. Personally, I don’t mind working hard and extra hours. That does, however, create some issues within one’s personal and family life. I have definitely had to make sacrifices over the last 2 years socially, but I don’t regret any of it.
Please tell us about Timeless Toys.
Timeless Toys specializes in toys for young children that are developmental, high quality, and will leave a lasting impression. Our products are from companies that truly believe that play is good for the development in children. Our products are not just something to keep a child busy, but something to actually stimulate the child’s mind and develop them into the next stage of their life. We don’t carry toys revolving around electronics. These are toys that will never go out of style no matter how much technology advances.
I am proud to be able to keep that vision alive within the technology age. Technology is not meant to be used by young children, yet we rely on it all the time. Our store focuses on interacting with the child and the bond between that child and toy. I am proud of our customer service and expertise. The staff at Timeless Toys has a large background in child development as well as children with special needs. If you have no idea what you are looking for, we can help you find the perfect toy by getting to know the child and your relationship with them. Here at Timeless Toys, it is not about what is popular, it is about what is right for the child you have in mind.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite childhood memories is playing games with my parents. My mom loved Yahtzee and Rumikub. We would play all the time. These games taught me about taking chances and using the odds in my favor. My dad loved to play cards. He taught me every card game I know. Not only did we have fun, and still play these games today, but he used the games to teach me patterns and math skills.
Pricing:
- Perfect Birthday gifts from $15-$30
Contact Info:
- Address: 4749 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625 - Website: www.timelesstoyschicago.com
- Phone: 773-334-4445
- Email: scott@timelesstoyschicago.com
- Instagram: timelesstoyschicago
- Facebook: Timeless Toys LTD Chicago
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