12/02/2025
Twenty years ago today, I bought Darboy Corner Store. Three years ago I sold. Not because I wanted to. I wasn't ready to sell. Another store was going to build directly across the street from me. I knew it was coming. They tried to bully me into selling so they could bulldoze my building and put up their own, but i didn't give in to the bullying tactics. I held my own for several years, until the Darboy Club was torn down and they decided to build there. I consulted people that I trusted and was told it was time to sell. It killed me inside because I loved that store, my employees, customers and my work. Many people were angry at me for deciding to sell, but I truly had no choice. With the store across the street currently being built, I hope everyone now understands why I had to sell.
Owning my store and being there every day, making every decision, taking all the risks, I can say that I truly did do it MY way. Not the bank's way. Not anyone else's way. My way. Customer service first. Relationships and friendships first. Not the almighty dollar. My decisions weren't made on how to make the most money. They were made looking at what was best for Darboy and best for my employees. I never asked an employee to do anything that I wasn't willing to do myself. I cleaned the men's bathrooms, changed pump handles, fried fish for the Friday night fish fry during Lent (CRAZY BUSY!!). I owned the store for 17 years and we built a legacy. A legacy that I'm proud of. Of course, I'm not perfect but I tried to do the right things. I tried to add value to the Darboy Community. I always tried to help someone in need. As a community, we helped many people over the years.
I just want you to know that I miss my business, career, friends, customers and employees. I still live in Darboy and I'm living a different role. I volunteer many hours for Make A Wish, Special Spaces and the Darboy Kiwanis. I haven't found my purpose yet and I'm still tying to figure out what I'm supposed to do every day. I drive past my I old store and I'm filled with sadness, every single time. But, we have a lot to be grateful for and that's what I try to focus on. Just know that I miss you, Darboy Corner Store and all that went on inside those 4 walls. 💗
