Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You're IT Old English Fireplace Benches!
Four questions with Peter Thomson Hovey, founder of Old English Fireplace Benches.
Why did you start your business?
Upon retiring from banking and consulting to midsize businesses, I decided to try my hand at starting and building one of my own. Objectives included: would require minimal start-up capital, be profitable from the start and I’d have to enjoy the work and challenges. This required that I outsource specialty aspects to local independent contractors, and it would have to be a niche product to avoid direct competition and pricing pressure.
Finish this sentence in regard to your business. “I wish I could..."
I wish I started this twenty years earlier because it’s so personally rewarding; I am proud of the product and enjoy working with my contractors. Plus, I have a terrific clientele.
I design and sell uniquely rare and beautiful custom English fireplace benches (aka “club fenders”). My clients include top interior designers (USA and England), corporate executives, celebrities, country clubs, as well as school teachers and dentists, etc.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
I rely on several local businesses: Woodbury Blacksmith & Forge does my ironwork, Giorgio’s Upholstery in Norwalk does my beautiful fender seat upholstering, Kellogg’s Lumber in Bethel, and I am truly thankful that I can do my own millwork at The Woodworkers Club in Norwalk.
Learn more about Old English Fireplace Benches HERE.
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!