Dreams do become reality. They require thought, nurturing, vision, persistence, passion, and time. The time finally arrived...

It all came to fruition on a 1997 summer vacation trip to southern Florida to visit the grandparents. The idea for a used book store had been floated for many years, but on an eleven hour road trip, we had plenty of time to parse the subject and cement the details. The children were riveted with the idea and excited about having input into what most would consider an "adult" decision.

The Bookmiser used book store concept was born. We all agreed there was no such thing as a "bad" used book store. However, we wanted to be different, unique, and create a concept that would separate us from others in the industry:

• Most used book stores were dusty, musty, and in disarray. Our bookstore would be clean and organized - a more upscale experience.
• Most used book stores were "off the beaten path" and hard to find. Our bookstore would be easy to find, easy to see, and easy to access.
• Most used book stores have an abundance of rules and trading criteria. Our bookstore would keep the rules to a minimum for the sake of simplicity.
• Most used book stores maintain inventory that may not be of the best quality. Our bookstore would make every effort to select quality without sacrificing needed titles.
• Most used book stores play music from radio stations, classical music, or no music at all. Our bookstore would feature a unique "sound" - music from the '30's, '40's and '50's...a personal passion.

We now had a valid, viable concept and a name we could all rally around--Bookmiser. Now the hard part-how do we parlay this concept into a thriving retail business? Our barriers weren't money, ideas, passion, or desire. We only had to overcome one obstacle: do we take the risk?

Within 12 months, we had our answer. In May 1998, we began the exploration for a location that met our criteria of high profile, visible, and easy to access. In addition, we needed to source inventory so we could "seed" the store until customer trades filled our shelves. For the next 4 months, it was a constant exploration of garage sales, estate sales, phone calls to leasing agents, and road trips throughout northwest Atlanta.

On September 19th, Bookmiser became a reality--a risk, a dream, and a success. The outpouring of support from the community was, and remains, tremendous. It has sustained us for over twelve years. To our customers, please accept our deepest appreciation and many thanks for validating our decision to create Bookmiser each and every day.

Annell & Jim