Today, we’d like to introduce you to Tom Finnerty.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My wife and I bought the Antique Exchange nearly 30 years ago. When we bought it, it was a small consignment-only antique store. We have moved and grown our business to be an antique store (we still do consignment) and a large interior design business run by my wife, Wesley.
We also have new items, furniture, accessories, and gifts. We are open Tuesday through Saturday, and our manager, Amy Sells, is in the store daily (except Tuesdays, when Kathleen Curtis is in charge). You can find me in the store, but more often, I am on the road doing walkthroughs to see if we can consign or buy items from people, going to auctions, and doing pick-ups and deliveries.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Covid was our largest struggle – no surprise. But thanks to Amy Sells, who manages the store for us – we stayed alive with an online presence and the ability to shop online and pick up curbside.
Another struggle we would have had, had we not changed our business model, is that antiques are not as in demand as they were 15-20 years ago. People like to mix antiques with new items and decorative pieces. Years ago, we changed our tagline to Classic Meets Current, and this idea – which we fully embrace – has kept us relevant.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love my interaction with so many people. A large part of my job is helping people liquidate estates – this involves family members of people who have passed away, people who are getting married and combining households, people who are downsizing, and people who are just changing their decor.
I have a background in retirement community sales and psychology, and I enjoy helping people. Often, my job includes getting to know people—not only helping them sell/buy items but also getting to know them and helping with large life changes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://antique-exchange.com/
- Instagram: @antiqueexcahngeinteriors
- Facebook: Antique Exchange Interiors
Image Credits
Whitney Wasson
