Success
Story: Vinny's Confectionary
After a year and a half, he was approached to sell his lucrative business, saying, “I was offered a deal I couldn’t refuse”! What does a teenager do after selling a business? Retire? No, he continues on with high school, and graduates.
From the age of 12, until he graduated high school, this boy was supplying the St. Paul Journal with news items, and eventually included some advertising sales for this news publication.
Vincent decided to enter broadcasting school, after graduating from high school, where he learned this wasn’t what he would like to do as a career.
In 1989, Vincent was working on a construction site in Two Hills, and noted there was only one convenience store in the Town. “The town’s people were so friendly, and I felt at home here”, so he bought an existing grocery store.
Word of mouth brought him to the Lamont-Two Hills Business Development Corporation (BDC). “Not only did they help me with financial assistance, completing a business plan was tough but really helped me stay on track. Financial projections are frustrating at the best of times, but the BDC’s counseling in that department helped a lot. Bernice (BDC General Manager) was a savior, and I’m very thankful for her business guidance and support - she believed in me,” said the owner of Vinny’s Confectionery in Two Hills.
“Vinny’s Confectionery is a great asset to Two Hill’s downtown core. It provides speedy service for groceries, movie rentals or a tasty snack. It is always a pleasure to spend a few minutes with their friendly staff. Vincent and Heidi not only support local activities, but also provide lots of information on local attractions and events to newcomers to town. Vinny’s Confectionery will soon be celebrating their 10th Anniversary in Two Hills. Congratulations Vinny”, commented BDC General Manager Bernice Sambor.
Another woman who absolutely believes in Vincent Farkas, is his mom, Heidi. “She was the one who encouraged me, all my life, to work hard and succeed. Without her there would be no convenience stores. I have the greatest respect for my mother’s business acumen, and love working with her”.
Today at 29 years old, Vincent constantly keeps his eyes open to provide his customers with a convenient product environment. Renovations included a new roof, floor, and wall insulation. He has made the store bright, adapted the isles for comfortable shopping, added three triple-door coolers, provides steam cleaner rentals, Lotto outlet, excellent deli meat selection, bottled water, hot pizzas from his pizza oven, slush and yogurt machines, and a selection of 1700 movie videos.
Approximately 90% of the clientele is local, so Vinny’s Confectionery is in a constant state of improving customer service. “The hours of the store are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week. We have never been closed in eight and a half years,” said the local entrepreneur!
This private collector of hockey cards and coins, talks about retiring at 40-45 years old to a beach in Hawaii. When he does move to his tropical island, don’t be surprised to see a convenience store, named “Vinny’s”.