2nd Thoughts thinks flea market flips
VERNON — “The coolest stuff is always in the basement.”
This statement summarizes the philosophy of Mark and Gina Dobrowolski, and they should know, as they have made a career out of it.
The Dobrowolskis are the creators and owners of 2nd Thoughts in Vernon, an antique and gift store with a unique philosophy: give old furniture and housewares a new lease on life by “upcycling” them — reimagining a purpose for them that may have nothing to do with their previous incarnation.
Their talents recently won them an appearance on “Flea Market Flip,” a popular challenge program on the cable and satellite network HGTV. The episode, “Seasoned Pickers Take on Rookie Flippers” is scheduled to be aired on July 26. Gina says she was surprised when HGTV e-mailed her through the store’s website asking if they would be interested in appearing on the show.
“They give you $500, take you to a flea market and ask you to buy things in three categories,” she explains. “Then you have one day to fix it up. You then go to another flea market and sell them, and whoever makes the most money wins!”
In the show they face off against two Syracuse University students who are the rookie flippers.
The Dobrowolskis’ experience with transforming discarded items into useful furnishings makes them a formidable team.
“We’ve turned a jet engine turbine mold into a side table. We’ve turned a piano into a desk, and another piano into a bar,” says Mark.
“Look past what something is,” he advises, “Look at what it can be.”
“Look at the bones,” adds Gina, referring to the underlying quality. “If it has good bones, it will last.”
The Dobrowolskis took a leap of faith in starting their business, although they seem to have had a natural talent from an early age.
“When I was 10 years old I shoveled snow for money,” says Mark. “One lady didn’t have enough money to pay me, so instead I asked if she would give me an old wooden street sign she had in her garage. Now everyone asks me about that street sign.”
Gina initially had the idea for an online store, “But that wouldn’t do anything for the community” (of Vernon), she thought. So when an appropriate space became available, they decided to take the leap. Several years later the business is still going strong, thanks to hard work and the help of their children Cody, 23, Michelle, 22, and twin boys Dylan and Bailey, 17.
Asked for advice to offer prospective Vernon shopkeepers, they say, “Listen to your customers. Don’t give up. And always look in the basement.”