Interview with Sharon Fischer, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: In 2004, my husband and I purchased a small soccer store in Thornton that had been in business since 1992. Although our goal was to transform a small soccer store into a large soccer store, we found more of a need for a good letter jacket and school activities store. We slowly and consistently moved away from sporting goods and trophies and focused on letter jackets and letter jacket patches. Now, we have successfully transformed our little soccer store into a thriving letter jacket store. We provide jackets and patches throughout all of Colorado as well the rest of the country.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: At A Unique Pin, we believe that purchasing your letter jacket isn’t just a trip to the store, but an experience. Your letter jacket is an expression of who you are and the pride you show in your school or organization. We take the time to help you fit the right size jacket for you, not only to fit you today, but for your entire high school career. High school letters are awards, earned by each individual student. We believe that you deserve a quality jacket, great patches and a large variety of choices all at a great price.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Being able to observe and be a part of the camaraderie that exists between these students and athletes has been a great joy. Sometimes in life we fail to take time to appreciate those around us as much as we should. Many of these individuals that work so hard to achieve their own goals rarely fail to look out for those around them. Their stories can be very inspirational, very moving and sometimes even bring me to tears. I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with these young men and women.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Making letter jackets and letter jacket patches can be very time consuming work. In this very fast paced digital world we all live in, customers are not used to the long process of ordering a custom jacket and custom patches. Educating the general public on the amount of time it takes to produce these jackets has always been our biggest challenge. Despite this challenge, we refuse to simply settle for putting together a “cookie cutter” jacket. Every jacket will always have the A Unique Pin special touch. We believe that’s what brings our customers back to us again and again.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Our letter jackets are 100 percent made in America; from the wool to the leather, we provide an all-American jacket. It may also surprise some of our customers that I have a visual disability. What many people find very interesting is that my disability actually allows me a very clear perspective when it comes to sizing your letter jacket.
Profile
Business: A Unique Pin
Address: 2683 E. 120th Ave., Unit B5, Thornton
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Founded: 1992
Contact: 303-457-1355,
Employees: 4
