10 Questions For Saratoga's M.E. Benson Estate Sales Owner Marsha Benson

M.E. Benson Estate Sales, 14440 Big Basin Way, suites 6 and 7, is owned by Saratoga resident Marsha E. Benson. The business, which has been in town for 30 years, since May of 1983, features a collection of old and new items that come from estate sales conducted by Benson. The collection includes beads, jewelry, china, crystal, a large baseball and card collection, baseball memorabilia, football and basketball memorabilia coming in soon, Lladros, estate and garage sale services, consulting and bead and custom jewelry repair. Its hours of operation are 1-6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, sometimes later depending on work that needs to be completed. Details: 408-741-0314, or mbantiques@yahoo.com.

Saratoga Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid?

Marsha E. Benson: A mother of 10 children and a nurse. I ended up becoming an X-ray technician for many years and then I became disabled and couldn't do it anymore. That's when I opened the antique shop, which I began on Fourth Street.

Patch: How does your personality play into your business?

Benson: Because I was in the medical field and dealt with ill people I only worked on the very intensive care and desperately ill children and adults. I, therefore, became very knowledgeable about illnesses and what happens to people when they're sick. I was able to relate with the families so it's helped me greatly in this business. I'm dealing with people whose parents and relatives have either passed away or are very ill and need to clear out their homes or downsize.

Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business?  

Benson: In 1983, I knew I wasn't going to be able to continue being an X-ray technician full time, so I opened the store part-time to give my arm a rest. I've loved and collected antiques all my life.

Patch:  What inspired you?  

Benson: Finding wonderful things and discovering that little treasure that somebody thinks isn't worth very much and being able to share that it's worth quite a great deal. People are often quite surprised at what is worth something  and what isn't.

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in Saratoga?

Benson: The fact that the retail market has changed so much and the retail stores that are available have dwindled as Saratoga has changed, with parts of the city being rezoned. The people that are here are very enthusiastic and they're trying hard.

Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in Saratoga?

Benson: Saratoga is a small and very tight nit community. I've done estates and sold for parents, their children and grandchildren for the past 30 years. My youngest collector was 5 years old and my oldest collector was in her 90s.

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

Benson: I know I would never change the service part. I love doing service and dealing with people. I like fixing and trying to solve their problems.

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset? 

Benson: Being a family business, I haven't relied on outside people. I do have a couple of men that I work with. They're actually working for free and are trying to learn the business. They're disabled veterans. I try to employ people that have a hard time finding work.

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?   

Benson: Hakone Gardens. I love the ponds and the gardens. They're beautiful.

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?

Benson: I do foster cats and, at the moment, I have five kittens that are looking for homes. I do bring them to the store. If anyone would like to see kittens, I'm usually here on Wednesdays and Thursdays and Sundays. They can also call me if they're looking for kittens. I work with the San Jose San Jose Animal Care Center on Monterey Road in San Jose and the St. Francis Animal Protection Society.