Meet the Owner of Dory's Hearth, Home, & Patio

Dory Brown is the owner of located at 1011 Industrial Drive in Watkinsville.

I recently attended a Memorial Day weekend that Dory helped to organize, and wanted to learn more about her shop.

Patch: When did you start your business? 

Dory: I'm into my 15th year as a retail business.
 
Patch: Why retail?

Dory:  My mother and step-father owned the Fisher Wood Stove manufacturing business here in Watkinsville, and when the need arrived I was asked to help out. That was in 1987. So I have a 10-year woodstove manufacturing background and a 25- year history in the retail sales of wood stoves.

Patch:  What is your favorite thing about your business? 

Dory: My children were always able to be with me after school.  I had a preschool and kid area in my office and my husband installed a mini kitchen for me.  Often I was able to have fresh baked cookies waiting for the kids when they got off the school bus...the really helpful truck drivers didn't mind that either. 

Patch:  What is the most challenging thing about running a business? 

Dory: For a retail business...INVENTORY...what to buy, how much to buy and when to buy.

Patch:  What are your long-term goals for Dory's Hearth, Home, & Patio?  

Dory: To recognize and build working relationships with the manufacturers that comply with the quickly changing, environmental regulations that effect our industry.  Then I can be confident I am offering the best of the energy effiecient wood stoves and gas burning products around.  And to educate my customers that wood stoves are a carbon neutral way to spot heat or heat their entire house and that they are fueled with a renewable energy source.

Patch: What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a new business in the Oconee area?  

Dory: The best generic thing I can think of would be to figure out how much you and your family can afford to invest in business. If you're starting from scratch it, would be wise to search out a good accountant and have them help you build a "real" business plan.  They'll know best what kinds of expenses you can anticipate. Know your people skills, weaknesses and strengths (be honest) and learn to delegate accordingly.  It's hard to be the guy who works on the lawn mowers out back and also be the guy everyone needs to talk to about their lawn mower problems.  You'll end up never getting the mowers repaired on time or you'll work a lot of overtime!  In other words, figure out where you will be of most value.  Don't forget to apply for a business license and ask about what kinds of county or city ordinances you'll need to comply with.  You'll find that the City of Watkinsville and Oconee County are very business friendly and want to see all businesses survive and thrive.

Dory's Hearth, Home, and Patio is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.