We recently connected with Chris Pluymert and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Chris with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I developed my work ethic early on being raised and working for and with my parents who ran a small family business. That challenging work environment has instilled values in me that allowed me to morph that experience into my childhood dream of running a small, collectibles shop that through the Grace of God has flourished into a business that now employees several people and includes 3 locations with a successful internet program.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I started buying, selling and trading collectibles in my bedroom as a young man with my parents encouragement. They saw how passionate I was and allowed me to set up a display case, remove the closet doors and open up the area to tag and display various collectibles on the walls and in the display case – hence my business name “Closet Collectibles”. That opportunity led to selling locally at flea markets which continued to grow over time and led to having the opportunity to open my first location where the fruits of our labor continued to grow! We currently have 3 locations located in Illinois – our Crete location which opened in 2018 – our Tinley Park location which opened in 2021 and our newest location in Bourbonnais. We have been truly blessed and are hopeful that many more exciting events are in our future.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Mye work ethic, honesty and ability to adapt or change based on current market circumstances that might or could impact my business plan. My advice to others who might be pursing their dreams is to work harder than anyone else in the room, run your business empowering and trusting in those who are helping you on your journey, and also be prepared to adapt to many different and challenging situations which will arise.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Our business began during a down economy. While many others were downsizing and/or closing, I had faith that by sticking to my business plan and providing a shopping experience that was unique and a fun, safe environment we would be successful. The economy continues to be a challenge, but we have been able to flourish.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.closetcollectiblescrete.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closetcollectables/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064130974864
- Other: Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/str/pluymert2006
