Our next hobby shop feature sees us sitting down with Doug Pepperdine, President of PM Hobbycraft. As the owner of one of Calgary's oldest - and largest - hobby shops, it was great to hear Doug's take on things.
(for an interesting look at the evolution of the store, you can read its history on the PM website)
RMMC: You're the third generation to run the family business, which gives you a unique relationship with the hobby. Were you always interested in the hobby, and in taking over from your parents?
DP: Like you said, the hobby shop was the family business, so really I started when I was born. I don’t recall a time when I wasn’t involved in the hobby in some way. It was always around. That being said, one of my earliest memories is building a model kit – a 1/32 Model A in an ugly yellow plastic – in the back of the store, while watching cartoons on an old black and white TV.
As for taking over, you would think that it would be a natural progression, but it was actually a tough decision. Growing up, I was always in and around the store, sweeping up, carrying out garbage, that sort of thing. Todd, who was like the manager of the store and something of a mentor to me, used to say that all of the employees were like a totem pole, and I was the big toe. Gradually I expanded into scale model ships, R/C Cars and R/C aircraft, and I worked my way up.
By the time I reached my 20’s, I wasn’t all that interested in taking over. It was one of the only jobs I’d ever had, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue the family heritage. Plus, I had my own ambitions, wanted to do my own thing. But I still helped out, and started making some improvements and changes, bringing in computers… that sort of thing. And it grew on me. Debbie (my wife and partner) and I still owe a lot of tribute to my parents and grandparents, but it’s now become our store, with it’s own distinctiveness. Then, 11 years ago, we started the process to buy my parents out, and have just recently completed the process.
RMMC: What sets your store apart from the other shops in town and online?
DP: I think we’ve got a great selection, store-wide. Plenty of kits for the modeller, plus all kinds of tools, paints and supplies. Each department is really well stocked, and we’ve got everything from models and rockets to cake decorating and scrapbooking, so there’s something for everyone in the family. I also think we’ve got good pricing; we may not be the cheapest in the world, but we’re definitely competitive, and when you add in the selection and service, I think it’s a great value for our customers.
RMMC: What’s the best thing about owning your own hobby shop?
DP: I like the fact that I control my own direction. Creative freedom. I can conceive ideas, make decisions and make it happen. That’s less about being a hobby shop than owning my own business, but it’s nice to have the freedom – the only person I have to please is the customer.
I also think there’s something noble about it. This is a hobby, and it gives you something to show for your input. It’s productive. Some people hit the bars to relax, but you don’t really get anything out of it; with a hobby like model building, you’re creating.
RMMC: What’s the worst thing about owning your own hobby shop?
DP: It’s a heavy weight knowing that all of my staff depend on me. It’s not just my livelihood at stake, but all of my employees. You also lose a lot of personal freedom: I’ve always got my cell phone on, in case some emergency crops up, or something needs my attention. It doesn’t always ring, but the potential – and the worry – is always there.
RMMC: What’s the biggest misconception modellers have about owning a shop?
DP: People usually think that all I do is play. Build the latest kits, fly the latest R/C. Sure, I do get a chance to check out some of the newest releases so it’s certainly not all paperwork and drudgery, but this is a business first and foremost and just like any other business, there’s a lot of boring stuff to do.
RMMC: With so many departments, it must be like Christmas every day when you get new stock. Are there any model kits that you're particularly excited about?
DP: We’ve heard a lot of great things about the Hobby Boss 1/72 Easy-Build kits. They’re not really new, but we’ve just started carrying them. Simple to build, pretty accurate, and a great price. We’ve also just started bringing in Master Box, and a few new resin and photoetch lines. The new 1/35 Cougar APC has been a hit too. Oh, and plastic ships. People are going crazy for all the new ship kits that are coming out – they’re just flying off the shelves.
RMMC: What is your all-time favourite kit or modelling product?
DP: I tend to be more of an R/C guy, but the one model kit that comes to mind is the MRC Star Trek Enterprise. The one with all the fibre optic lights. I spent months on that, drilling out and installing the lights, applying maskol for the Aztec pattern… It was fantastic.
RMMC: What is your fondest memory in this hobby?
DP: Probably flying remote control planes with my Dad. It’s hard to beat those memories of quality time with a father and son. I also remember the first time I hand-retrieved a glider. I was 12, and it felt like I’d mastered the greatest trick in the world, that I had made it to the big leagues.
Once again, our thanks go out to Doug. If you'd like to find out more about PM Hobbycraft you can visit their website or Facebook page. For more shots of the store, you can check out the rest of our gallery.
