Building a small business selling toys is hard enough. Building one that shuns the latest passing fads takes some real commitment.
That's what Pat Gallaher has. His Edgemont Village store, B.C. Playthings, has just celebrated 35 years in business, delivering what he calls "child-centred, not profit-centred" toys. Renowned children's entertainers Norman Foote and Charlotte Diamond came by to help mark the occasion.
"We buy things that will involve a child, so they won't be a spectator," he said. "They'll be a participant in their play. We avoid things that encourage or promote violence. We don't tend to carry licensed things because you're paying for the licence, not just the product. To give an example, if you buy a sand pail with an image of Donald Duck on the side, you're paying 25 to 35 per cent more than you should because you're paying for the licence - or they've cut corners on the manufacturing so they can squeeze out the extra."
But if you're looking for blocks, dolls, art supplies, puppets, train sets, or other timeless, genuine toys, B.C. Playthings is the place to go.
Gallaher was the first male graduate of Capilano's early childhood education program, in 1975. Shortly after, he and some of his fellow preschool teachers had an idea to start a buying co-op for preschools and daycares.
"We put on a few meetings," Gallaher recalled. "First meeting, 20 people came. Second meeting, six people came. Third meeting, two people came."
The plan came to nothing, but Gallaher had already put a lot of time into researching suppliers across North America and Europe.
"I was reluctant to let all this energy go to waste. I'm not sure I knew what I was starting but I started B.C. Playthings in my house for the first two years."
While he worked full-time at the college's bookstore to pay the bills, Gallaher's wife Hermila handled what was largely a mail-order business. After two and half years, they were able to open a small storefront and Gallaher devoted all his time to the business.
"Like any small business, it's more than full-time if you're really committed. But I have a passion for it, which is one of the reasons I've lasted 35 years," he said.
Another reason for the business' endurance is the countless hours of help Gallaher received from his family.
"Over the years, my sister worked in the company for a number of years. Up until recently my Mom has worked one afternoon a week for thirty years. One of my daughters was a packer when she was a teenager. Our mail order was so big then we had people whose only job was to come in and pack parcels. Another daughter created our website. Like many tiny or small businesses, I couldn't afford to pay someone to do that. I'm blessed to have that input for family members."
Today, Gallaher's youngest daughter Bree has taken a leading role in the store.
"I'd never want to hang the company around one of their necks like an anvil," he said. "Everyone has their own ambitions in life. But she's worked there since she was 12 years old and she's caught part of my passion. She's there for the right reasons."
Almost all of B.C. Playthings' business is through the storefront now, although customers still often browse through the excellent, exhaustive website. The bulk of the marketing, said Gallaher, is word of mouth - from teacher to parent, neighbour to neighbour, and parent to child.
"I must say one of the most rewarding things on a personal basis is being in the store when three people walk in the door and you can tell they are three generations of a family. Sometimes the person in the middle will say 'Mum, didn't I have one of those when I was little?' And the grandmother says 'Yes, we got it at B.C. Playthings.' And my heart sings."
GET TO KNOW PAT
What sorts of media do you enjoy?
I listen to CBC Radio when I'm in my vehicle or at home in the mornings.
How do you spend your spare time?
I coach the Grade 7 girls' basketball team at Cleveland elementary. It's my 21st year doing that. Two of our daughters went to Cleveland. Last year, and it's the second time while I've been there, we won the championship. The girls were thrilled. That was a particular delight.
What sort of technology does your business use?
We have the website, that's essential. But other than a scale to weigh parcels and a calculator to do the cash on each night, we're not a high-tech environment.
Are you involved with any community groups?
I'm a director of the Parkinson's Society of B.C. and I'm the president of the Edgemont Village Business Association. It makes for a full life.
key to success We believe childhood is an adventure of exploration. Well-chosen playthings provide opportunities for discovery.
