Innovating for Interaction: Garnerville Business Spotlight

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special. Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.

Our spotlight today is on Sindi Landman.

Business: The Think Tank
Owners: Sindi Landman
Website: www.thethinktankny.com
Address: 55 Railroad Avenue, Garnerville, NY

How did you come up with the name?
As we were brainstorming about all of the services we provide and want to offer, we did not want to “paint” ourselves into a particular corner! A friend suggested the name and it felt right!

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
The location in Garnerville has a lot of style. It is an artist /village community and full of inspiration. It is a little piece of Rockland that is very special and unchartered. We wanted create awareness not only for ourselves but for the community. We are are still in the process of determining if we will be moving the think tank to a more retail oriented spot as well.

Briefly, what business are you in?
Decorating/ Building and Home Decor

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
We are in the throes of our most difficult moment right now! Do we go for art vs. commerce or tip the balance to commerce? Meaning a more commercial area with daily traffic.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
The biggest challenge is always financial. Can we afford to allow our business to grow? You have to allow a minimum of 2 years to let something flourish!

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
We have had many , but we are in agreement that the furniture paint line we represent might be our proudest! Being able to rework old kitchen cabinets or take a 70’s wall unit and give it a whole new life has been very rewarding. The before’s and afters have been astonishing! In addition to refinishing pieces for our customers we offer paint classes to give the DIY-er an new tool in their belt.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
Through round table discussion we have put into practice opening our space up in the evening or on the weekends by creating events. Painting classes, Accessory swaps, Wine and Cheese event and Shopping event.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
It is not always easy.We have been lucky. Our clients are always so happy to have the design and/or decor responsibilites off their plate, and then when they see their thoughts and desires come to life, they are very happy! But if there is a problem, we try to handle it with style and grace, after all the customer is always right.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
We have tried to continue to create an understanding of how many pieces of furniture (approx. 1 million) show up in the landfill EVERY year and how reworking, restoring and renovating them can make a difference on the planet. We have also run events in our showroom to try and help not only our business but the artists and the art community by creating a an awareness of slice of history that exists in our own backyard.