Who's Who: Randy Johnson Knows Quality When He Sees It

Name: Randy Johnson

Age: Old enough to care

Occupation: Vintage furniture restoration and recreation expert

How do you start a business doing antique furniture restoration?  I knew someone who owned an antique store many years ago and it sparked my interest. I started out by refurbishing a rocking chair and selling it at a garage sale for profit. As my skills improved, so did my eye. I took on projects that are more difficult and, as my eye got better, I increased the difficulty of my projects. The challenge drove my profits higher. Twenty-five years later, I still feel like I can do better.

Is this just a side interest for you or is this something you can do for a living? Ten years ago, I gave up everything for this. I had been in the car parts business and I was burned out. I was in a good life place, so I quit my job to buy and sell furniture. I have sold out of this building since 1993. It has changed hands three times. When the third owners were ready to sell, I was ready to buy. I partnered up with a couple other businesses and took over Alley on Main. We pay attention to what works at this location and cater to that need.

What do you think makes it work in this location? We offer quality products for cheap! You can go to a second-hand store and find items for more money and they still need work. Here, I have already refurbished the item and am selling it for the same price or often even less. We do get frustrated with the mindset of those who tell us they can get a new item for less at a department store, but they don’t realize that the furniture here is quality-built, not pressboard and veneer, but solid wood.

Where do your items come from? I have many connections to key auction lists, but 75 percent of my business comes from personal referrals. Estate sales used to be more profitable, but as the quality of new furniture has decreased, the demand for the older furniture has become higher, so prices have increased.

Where are some of your works displayed? Landmark on the Sound, a retirement community and event center in Des Moines, has some of my art.

What do you think is your key to success? Experience, my love for what I do and my need for perfection. I am always looking through media sources for inspiration. I have been doing this for so many years and know how to get the job done efficiently. I use all green products as well. I pick pieces that do not require a large amount of time stripping, since time is money. As long as I am working with my hands and creating something, I am happy.