A Chat with April’s Profile, A.G. Russell and Goldie Russell, president and CEO, A.G. Russell Knives

And one of the things we try to focus on is high-quality, classic sorts of products. We seem to gravitate toward American companies that are small and unique. We deal with several companies that are family-owned, even after 100 years. The Gershner chest, for example, is one of those items. That company has been around since 1906.

A.G.: You understand that these small American companies, once they’re successful, they very quickly move their source of goods to China. Gershner has two lines, an American line and Chinese goods. And that’s not to say we don’t sell Chinese goods, we do. The gift catalog couldn’t exist without it. That’s where everything is made today.

Goldie: I think the focus is on high-quality, as hand-made oriented as we can get it, as exclusive as we can get it. Certainly stuff that appeals to this hunting, shooting, outdoor-oriented male.

CS: What were some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in growing the business?
A.G.: For the past 15 years, the biggest problem is finding competent people. We have a great staff. But for 15 years, the economy in this area has been so hot, that it’s just really difficult to find good people.

Goldie: Walmart’s general headquarters are located about 15 miles down the road.

A.G.: That has an impact. Other large companies and a few thousand of their vendors are located here as well.

Goldie: We have offices here for Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, and on and on. Because of Walmart.

A.G.: And that brings us to today, where the local economy and the local labor has nothing to do with our problem. We need a merchant. And you know what that is, but if I talk to my banker, he thinks that’s someone with a store. My accountant thinks the same way. So we’re looking to the greater world to find a merchant. And we also need a marketing manager to build the catalogs. Goldie’s working 60-70 hours a week doing those two jobs, as well as running the company.