Pulaski County Business Spotlight: Kay Popejoy 8/25/10

Our third weekly business spotlight features Kay Popejoy. Kay, and her husband, Glen, are Realtors with Cross Creek Realty in Waynesville. You can "like" Glen & Kay Popejoy on facebook at www.facebook.com/glenandkaypopejoy. The Popejoy team can be reached at 573-528-6191.

Pulaski County Fan Pages: What prompted you to get into the Real Estate business?

Kay Popejoy: When Glen and I first moved to the area in 2001, I worked for the Daily Guide as an advertising representative. I went into a real estate office to service their account and the Broker asked me to consider coming to work there. I thought it sounded fun so I went to school in Springfield and got my license. In 2006 my husband Glen made the decision to become a Realtor when he retired from the Army.

PCFP: After your husband, and business partner, Glen, decided to retire from the U.S. Army, what made you decide to stay in Pulaski County and call this area home?

KP: It was an easy decision to make for many reasons. The people, the beautiful landscape and affordable living to name just a few. We love how this community embraces the service members and their families, that doesn't always happen in military towns.

PCFP: Nationwide, the Real Estate market has taken a beating, but that does not seem to hold true in Pulaski County. What do you attribute this to?

KP: We are fortunate to have Fort Leonard Wood here and that obviously helps keep the market fairly stable. The military is constantly changing and along with that comes relocating so it is not uncommon to list or sell the same home again and again.

PCFP: What sets you and Glen, and Cross Creek Realty, apart from other agents in the area?

KP: The Cross Creek Realty team is constantly working to be as informed as possible. The real estate market, the laws, the forms and contracts are always changing. It is quite a challenge to keep up with all that is going on, but one that we take very seriously. In addition to the education that the state requires, we complete 18 extra hours of continuing education a year.  Glen and I feel that being educated, honest, professional, reliable and ethical enables us to provide our customers top quality service!

PCFP: What can someone who is looking to buy, or sell, property do to make the process smooth?

KP: The best way to insure a smooth real estate transaction is to contact an experienced, trust worthy professional such as ourselves.

PCFP: How have you used your Facebook fan page to work for you?

KP: Facebook allows us to reach many people with our listings and real estate updates. Keeping in contact with our customers and other people in the community is key to our business success.

PCFP: What is your favorite hidden gem of Pulaski County?

KP: The natural beauty of Pulaski County. Glen and I enjoy the outdoors , and this area has so much to offer.

PCFP: Is there anything else that you would like to add?

KP: Glen and I pride ourselves on the fact that many of the people that we work with have been referrals from past customers. We would like to say thank you to everyone that has chosen to do business with us and ask that you keep us in mind while talking to your friends & family about real estate.

Pulaski County Business Spotlight: Post Pawn Store 8/18/10

Our second weekly business spotlight features Dan Boorom, owner of Post Pawn Store.  Post Pawn Store is open Monday-Friday, 10:00 am until 6:00 pm, and Saturdays from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.  They are located in the Gateway Shopping Center, outside of the main gate of Fort Leonard Wood.  The store has been owned by the Boorom family since 1986.  They have all types of merchandise, new and used,  for sale, and most items come with their 30 day guarantee.  You can "like" Post Pawn Store on facebook at www.facebook.com/postpawnstore.  Dan can be reached, at the store, at 573-336-3441. 

Pulaski County Fan Pages:  What is pawning?

Dan Boorom:  Pawning is when a customer brings in an item and we loan them money on the item.  They have 90 days to redeem the item, for the original amount loaned, plus a service charge.

PCFP:  Do you watch "Pawn Stars"?  If so, is it a realistic portrayal of the Pawn Industry?

DB:  Yes.  It is somewhat realistic.  In this area we don't see the older items like you see on their show, or the planes, cars, and motorcycles.  But you never know what might come in the store.

PCFP:  What is the most interesting, or unusual item, that someone has brought in to pawn?

DB:  A gold filling with a tooth is always unusual.

PCFP:  What is one misconception that some people may have about pawn shops that you would like to clear up?

DB:  The movies always show them as being dark, dirty, and shady places.

PCFP:  What are some of the items that people can bring in for pawn, trade, or to sell?

DB: Firearms, jewelry, electronics, musical instruments, tools, and anything that might be worth selling.

PCFP:  Other than Post Pawn, what is your favorite hidden gem of Pulaski County?

DB:  The Hub Restaurant.

Pulaski County Business Spotlight: Pulaski County Farmer’s Market 8/11/10

Our first weekly business spotlight interview features Clara Magoon, Marketing Manager, of the Pulaski County Farmer’s Market. The market is held on Saturday’s from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm in Waynesville City Park. You can "like" Pulaski County Farmer's Market on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pulaski-County-Farmers-Market/126926763989161.  Mrs. Magoon can be reached at (573)774-2535 or clara.magoon@embarqmail.com. We wish to extend a huge Thank You to Clara for offering to go first!

Pulaski County Fan Pages: When was the Pulaski County Farmer's Market founded?

Clara Magoon: The Pulaski County Farmers' Market was founded the spring of last year, 2009.

PCFP: What brought about the idea to have a Farmer's Market in Pulaski County?

CM: There had been a previous attempt to start a local farmers' market that ended up leaving the Amish as a roadside stand. I thought the location was terrible, in Buckhorn, and I learned that Luge (Hardman) was excited about the idea of having the market in Waynesville. I was able to establish a positive relationship with the city and that is how we started.

PCFP: When and where is the Farmer's Market held?

CM: The market is opens from the 2nd Saturday in May until the 2nd Saturday in October.

PCFP: What type of items can be found at the Farmer's Market?

CM: This year we have grown with local farmers. We offer produce, all natural meats, farm fresh eggs, fresh baked breads and other baked goods, valued added items such as goat milk soaps and lotions, birdhouse gourds, homemade rugs, yard ornaments, homemade jellies, and local honey.

PCFP: Does the Farmer's Market work in conjunction with the community gardens?

CM: No one has contacted us to work in conjunction with the community garden, but I would be open to the idea.

PCFP: How can someone become a vendor at the Farmer's Market?

CM: To become a vendor you must fill out an application and pay a sitting fee. All vendors must comply with the Department of Agriculture regulations and those of the health department.

PCFP: What is one thing that most people do not realize about the Farmer's Market?

CM: Our main purpose is to support and encourage local agriculture. I often get asked for produce that is out of season. Secondly, we are at the complete mercy of Mother Nature. Third, most people need to understand that we are not a flea market or a craft fair.

PCFP: Other than the Farmer's Market, what is one of your favorite hidden gems of Pulaski County?

CM: I love the rivers and streams and love to spend time by them fishing and playing in the water.

PCFP: Anything else that you would like to add?

CM: I am always looking for vendors that will bring quality products to the market and the vendors do not need to commit for a full season.