<b>Why did you choose this particular business: </b>
Whistle Stop Hobbies began as a dream. Frank received his first train from his Mom and Dad when he was just 18 months old. Frank has been collecting trains all of his life. For the past fifteen years, Frank has traveled around the country sharing his love of trains and attending train collector’s shows. His travels provided him with the opportunity to make many friends throughout the United States and to also amass an inventory large enough to open a retail store.
Two years ago, Frank and Amy met and quickly developed a relationship that would serve as the foundation for a future in business together. Both Frank and Amy were born and raised in Northern Virginia. Now they are both raising children in the Alexandria community.
<b>Why did you choose to work for yourself rather than as an employee for someone else? </b>
When Frank and Amy met, many of their early discussions were about building a business that would be both lucrative and a significant contributor to the city that has been their lifelong home. They both wanted to do something that they could have control over and that would grow from their decisions and not those of others. Although they worked hard to "make things happen", they knew, in their hearts, that when "it" was right that everything would fall into place. And indeed, it has!
<b>What have you learned from being in business? </b>
We have certainly learned that owning a business is a 24 hour a day job…both exciting and frustrating at the same time. And as Harry S. Truman once said, "The buck stops here!" The challenges are greater because you don’t have someone else to turn to when solving problems.
<b>Anecdote/Advantages and Disadvantages of operating a business in Alexandria: </b>
The advantage to owning Whistle Stop Hobbies is that we are unique…we are the only hobby shop in the area! Also, because we both grew up in Alexandria, we have established contacts that many new business owners in the area might not have. In Old Town, we have a wonderful tourism base! Plus, we have 4 kids between us – built in product testing! Involving our families in the business has been the best part of the business. Each member has a title…
Frank Kozuch, Jr. Chief Executive Officer
Amy F. Parks Principal Partner
Frank Kozuch, III (13) Vice President of Operations
William A. Parks (10) Vice President of Acquisitions
Connor Parks (9) Vice President of Sales
Sarah E. Parks (6) Facilities Manager
Mel Fortney (Amy’s dad) Chief Engineer
Betty Kozuch (Frank’s mom) Nutritionist
We have been very lucky with all of our associations including our building owner, our contractors, our graphic designers, other local businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, the ACVA and many others! We have three part-time employees who love hobbies as much as we do! We work hard to seek family owned businesses to partner with to build the network of local business…we believe in "un-chaining America"!
Some of the disadvantages to owning a business in Alexandria are the challenging working relationship we sometimes have with city government because we don’t always feel supported. We also have a lot of concerns about more and more chains coming in and pushing out the "mom and pop" businesses built by individuals and families with REAL loyalty to the area!
<b>Description of services and/or products: </b>
Today, Whistle Stop Hobbies carries many of the memory building toys of Frank’s childhood including trains, Legos, rockets, model kits, slot cars and much more.
Our primary goal is to create a place that families look forward to experiencing throughout the year. Through our picture window, parents, grandparents and children can gaze at the magical Spring, Halloween and Christmas displays and have fun picking out special features of our train layout. In addition, it is our passionate mission to provide the absolute best and most personal customer service to each and every person that comes through our door from the 1 year old customer to the 100 year old! We want to be a place that makes memories for a lifetime!
<b>Activities</b>
Royal Street block party
Kismet "Second Thursdays" events
Care for Kids program with Children’s Hospital
Networking with many of the Alexandria preschools, schools and scout troups
The first annual Santa Railway Express which was a memorable train ride from King Street Station to Manassas and back this Holiday season
Whistle Stop Hobbies Alexandria Little League AA team the parents blow train whistles that we gave them at every game!
Booth at Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival
Children’s Harbor June 18th and 19th – making balsa wood planes with the kids
Train Show in Chantilly, Virginia, August
<b>Professional affiliations/associations</b>
We are members of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, the Alexandria Convention and Visitor’s Association and KISMET. We are also aligned with the National Retail Hobby Association, the Train Collector’s Association, the World’s Greatest Hobby National program and local train enthusiast clubs. In addition to these networks, we also have plans to promote hobbies, our store and Old Town up and down the East Coast as we travel to hobby shows in numerous venues.