Benson Talks Spare Change

Following up on a desire that she had for quite some time, Valene (Kielb) Benson saw that dream come true when she opened "Spare Change" on June 1, 2010. Now, approaching her 14th year of proprietorship, she is glad she bought the business and she loves what she is doing.

Recently the business expanded and added more room, and more inventory with a variety of products. Benson said she added more toys – which was a hit during the Christmas season.

In the near future, plans are in the works to add a consignment section in the store.

As far as variety in the store Benson said, we have just about everything," and if she doesn't carry an item, check with her about getting it.

There have been quite a few "changes" over the last 14 years. One change, is that of her family. Now an active mother of three daughters, ages nine, five and three, her schedule has drastically changed. Gone are the quiet nights she enjoyed snuggled up with her hubby.

Benson stated that Covid did make a difference in the business. One distributor that she had been doing business with since she opened closed and she is still looking for a replacement. The outbreak and restrictions affected her like it did the rest of the community and businesses.

She said it was at this time that the decision was made to help people as much as they could. From this thought, they started getting school bags prepared ahead of time according to the school's particulars.

They are filled and can easily be picked up without hassle. The same goes for their Easter basket selections.

"The gift baskets are the ones we enjoy making the most. We enjoy preparing them, we can add special touches," Benson stated. "We always have candy bouquets ready all the time – just walk in and pack out."

She feels in today's work force with the on-going issues of dependability, apathy and indifference, she is fortunate to have a staff of workers and friends who are willing to work and flexible enough to accommodate an occasional emergency and work together to keep the doors open and customers served.

Geoff, her hubby, who works at Art's Furniture fulltime and in the evening does an entire manifest, changes careers and occupations and becomes a clone of Tim the Tool Man and becomes the handy-dandy man every wife wants in a husband.

When they were remodeling, Valene said they would enjoy their evening, have supper, give the girls their baths and tuck the girls to bed. When the girls were sound asleep enjoying a field of dreams, a babysitter would be called and Valene and Geoff would begin another nightly chapter in Remodeling 101. Family time was preserved through the acquisition and since both Bensons are still standing, we shall presume the bonding time went well.

Her view on the future is optimistic as far as the pending opening of the Family Dollar store. She has on her side the locally owned and operated aspect of the business. Another plus is the "home-grown" factor and not being a big corporate entity with no investment or ties to the community. Local people support the ones that also support them.

A young lady with an idea that is working out and making her dream come true. What more could one ask for? Having a handy-dandy man in her life and three young daughters bring the circles of family and life together. Her support network of family and friends make that smile on her face even more radiant.