This month we're featuring Bill Volckening! Here is what Bill had to say about his company:
The
name of my business is Bill Volckening Quilts, and it started up when I began
receiving requests for appraisals from people in the quilt community. I took
the appraisal skills classes in Paducah to learn what quilt appraisers do, and
decided to be an independent appraiser. Although I didn’t promote the business
and wasn’t expecting a lot of activity, I appraised more than 500 quilts in the
first two years.
What are your
hours and location? Other info? (Phone number, website)
My
hours are by appointment. E-mail: williamvolckening@comcast.net or
call 503-327-3202, web site: www.billvolckening.com
What’s the best
thing about owning your particular business?
Serving
the quilt community. That’s how the business started. And of course, meeting so
many great people and seeing lots of wonderful quilts.
How long have
you been in business?
Almost
two years.
What’s been your
favorite order/customer/memorable moment as a business owner?
My favorite
moment was when I visited the new home of a client, who told me the appraisals
served as proof of assets in the process of being approved for a loan on the
house. It was very gratifying to assist a first-time homeowner.
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my logo
What other
jobs/businesses have you worked/owned?
I’ve
done a lot of things, but never owned a business before. For ten years I was
editor of a magazine for a sports organization with 50,000 member/subscribers,
and midway through that time, I led the creation of a new magazine.
What made you
want to go into this field of work?
When
I first started sharing my collection in lectures, I didn’t realize it was
anything out of the ordinary at first. The quilt community recognized it and
grabbed hold of me. The knowledge I gained over years of collecting had value. That’s
when people started asking for appraisals.
Do you still
have time to do your own quilting and sewing while owning your business?
I’ve
never done much sewing. Truth is I can’t see small things close up, and threading
a needle is really difficult. If I look at this question as “do you still do
the things you enjoy?” it’s an absolute yes! All the activities that led me to
start a business are things I continue to do every day.
Does your store
have classes, get-togethers, or special events you’d like to mention?
Although
I haven’t done any special events with the business, I have curated four
exhibitions in the last three years, two from my collection. The next show will
take place at Latimer Quilt & Textile Center in March and April 2014. In
2015, I will exhibit 50 quilts in France following the release of my book with
Quiltmania.
pieced quilt from the New York Beauty
collection, c. 1868, Kentucky
What would you
like to see PMQG do to strengthen the quilting community in the Portland Metro
Area?
I
already love what PMQG is doing, and honestly don’t see much room for
improvement. Just keep delving into all things quilt-related, keep interacting
with other quiltmakers, and have fun!
Thanks to Bill for sharing with our Community. We love our Business Members!