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Interview with Meredith Hotz, general manager

Q: How did you get involved in this business?

A: When I was 14 years old, I worked as a retail associate at our first location, off Logan Street in Englewood. Throughout the past 16 years, I’ve worn various hats for the company including, but not limited to, sales associate, senior buy, website developer and marketing coordinator. After getting my degrees in business and merchandising from Colorado State University, I took over the Crazy Merchant Inc.’s marketing, social media and website development. In April 2012, I was asked to step into the role of general manager. Since then, it’s been amazing learning how to run a business from bookkeeping to sales orders and so much more. However, the merchandising and marketing portions of the job still remain my favorite. Each day is different and it’s so rewarding to be part of the journey. Also, another reward of being involved in the Crazy Merchant Inc. is I get to be a part of all the fantastic philanthropic work we get to do, such as hosting various charity events and giving 10 percent of every sale to a charity our customer chooses.

Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?

A: We not only offer our customers a place to shop for beads, but we provide a delightful place for them to bead as well. Customers are welcome to sit down in an ergonomically correct chair at one of our work tables and create. Our expert staff is on hand for consultation and our nominally priced beading classes (at all skill levels) are often in session. Coming to the Crazy Merchant Inc. is an experience. When you walk in the door you are promptly greeted by our friendly staff and offered a refreshment. The owner, originally from the South, is the queen of hospitality and she wants every customer to feel at home and welcomed.

Q: What do you like best about your line of work?

A: My favorite part is getting to work with all the nonprofits on our Giving List. The Giving List is composed of about 40 local and national nonprofit organizations. Our customers get to choose off this list which charity they would like to receive 10 percent of their total sale. Once a year, we have a charity check-giving party.

Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?

A: All the people who drive by our big turquoise warehouse-shaped building every day and mean to stop in, but don’t.

Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:

A: We have private event space that we make available to community groups for their events and meetings, at no charge. The Crazy Merchant Inc. mission statement is anchored by the value of giving back to our local community. People are also excited to find out that we have been in business for 21 years and we have an amazing float in the Parade of Lights each year, for the past five years.

Profile

Business: The Crazy Merchant Inc.

Address: 1700 W. Belleview Ave., Littleton

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Founded: 1993

Contact: 303-761-6100,

Employees: 14