Faith keeps Seymour business owner’s fire lit

Handling the day-to-day challenges of owning and operating a family business can be difficult. Tom Quinn, owner of Holy Smokes at Macon Crossing (next to Papa Johns Pizza) relies on his strong faith to overcome the vagaries of the cutthroat tobacco business and keep him on an even keel. Opened in December of last year, Holy Smokes offers fine tobacco products and a friendly atmosphere in which to shop. Tom and his faithful sidekick, the dependable Cindy Richmond, give each customer who enters a wide smile and a hearty greeting. Inside the store, which is a “work in progress, but making progress” as Tom describes it, are arrayed rows of stock awaiting the fixtures that will display them. Until the fixtures arrive, Tom and Cindy are happy to retrieve whatever you may need at your convenience. In the background, a consistent series of upbeat gospel songs plays for shoppers and keeps everyone in a fun and helpful mood. It’s clear to anyone who speaks with Tom that faith is his primary motivator. He and his family attend Tabernacle of Praise on the weekends and never fail to tithe on their earnings. Tom and his wife Sherry, who also own Archangel Kennels, have seen difficult times in what is a challenging business. Tom recalls at least one occasion where tobacco companies repositioning their products led to five price changes in a single day. There have been many times when an inventory was necessary in the middle of the night. “Most days start for us at six in the morning, and if we see bedtime before midnight we’re pretty happy about it!” Tom exclaims. “Knowing your boundaries is very important,” Tom says between helping customers. “You need a sharp eye for inventory control and have to maintain a solid sense of where your money is. We’ve been making steady progress, and each day brings in at least one new customer. I’m optimistic about the future.” Once the long-awaited fixtures are in, Tom plans a Grand Opening, including a remote broadcast with a radio station, to show his appreciation for his customers and to give something back to the community that he’s learned to love and has become an integral part of. Holy Smokes is located in Macon Crossing at Suite 13, 10721 Chapman Highway in Seymour, phone (865) 577-1577.