Meet the Owner - Iceman Video Games
Chris Houle, owner of Iceman Video Games
Q&A with Chris Houle
How long have you owned your business?
So I started Iceman Video Games almost 30 years ago in Toronto, actually in Mississauga.
What was the inspiration to start your business?
My husband was going to quit smoking and he says I need something to do with my hands so we went out we bought a Nintendo system and then he kind of amassed a few Nintendo games and then he thought you know there's got to be something to do with these games you know you can't just sit on them. So we started a little flea market booth. It just kind of took off from there so I've been doing it for 30 years.
What is your favourite part of being a small business owner?
You know I'm not an overly religious person so I don't like to use the word blessed but you know honestly some days I do feel that way.
What do you wish people knew about your business?
Being an independent business I think for a lot of people the first thing they think is they're going to be expensive and that couldn't be further from the truth.
Shop at the independent stores. There's a lot of people that just take the local to the max and say okay well I'm shopping at the Loblaws or I'm shopping at the you know the the Winners you know they're local those are chain stores you know you're not helping out necessarily your neighbor. I think that needs to be more publicized.
Who is your greatest supporter?
I would rather a customer walk away with a 30 game that they're happy with than an 80 game that they're going to question later on and not come back because they're going to feel duped. I'd rather have a repeat customer spending less money but coming back more often.
What are you most proud of about your business?
We've been very lucky here in the Kawartha Lakes. The customer base has just been incredibly loyal over the years you know. We've had some move away and come back to visit.
Describe yourself or your business in one or two words?
Worthwhile
GET IN TOUCH:
111 Kent St W Lindsay, ON
705-328-3666
icemanvideogames@gmail.com
