Business 1 on 1 with Matthew Billings, owner of Smallville Hobby Store

Matthew Billings, owner of Smallville Hobby Store, 133 James St., Gray, open Thursday and Friday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Contact by email at smallvillehobbystores@yahoo.com.

How long have you been in business?: "We've been here almost two years, and we got started really because I was somebody who enjoyed board games and competitive strategy games."

Billings was part owner of a similar business in Milledgeville, and when it closed he opened his own business.

What do you like best about your job?: "I like being able to help people find something that is really right for them -- something that's fun and enjoyable and they can share with friends and family. For some people their first time in, they see things they've never heard of before. Once they get a chance to experience it and play it, it becomes something they really enjoy and are passionate about."

What is your specialty?: "We sell and play various board games, card games, strategy games of different varieties. ... Of course we have Monopoly and chess because they've been around forever, but we do a lot more family-oriented games like Ticket to Ride and Settlers of Catan.

"We have things for anyone 5 years old to 105. ... We consider ourself a learning store. One thing we have every week, we have demos of games that are free for anyone to come in and actually play a game."

What are your future plans?: "We would like to expand more from our initial location. We would like to have more regular activities during the weekends, especially on Saturdays, if we can find something that works for our customers. We do have plans to expand and grow."

-- Linda S. Morris

This story was originally published November 15, 2015 at 10:04 PM with the headline "Business 1 on 1 with Matthew Billings, owner of Smallville Hobby Store ."