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Leslie Martin of Copper Gecko
Six years ago the ratio of empty retail buildings to open businesses was much higher that it is today. At the time of their arrival downtown Superior looked more like a movie set that was awaiting a Hollywood producer to come and make a alive for just a glimpse of time. It was six years ago that Leslie Martin and Sonny Sansom found Superior and decided to make Superior home and open a shop.
Finding Superior: the couple found Superior after searching throughout Arizona for a place to retire from North Carolina. They were headed east on their way home, leaving somewhat disappointed that they had not found the right place, driving east on US 60 they passed through Superior and decided to turn around and investigate further. They turned their fifth wheel around and explored the town. Three months later the couple sold their home, businesses and commercial properties and were back in Superior renovating a home and developing a business. “When we found Superior is was like serendipity,” explained Leslie.
Eclectic antiques: Leslie Martin grew up always wanting to open an antique shop like her grandparents owned in Maine. That was her retirement plan for Superior. After talking with many residents and friends she made in Superior, she and Sonny determined that Superior needed more than just an antique shop. “If people said we needed something, I just tried to find a way to bring it into the store,” she said. The store has an assortment of jewelry, furniture, antiques, copper decor, souvenirs and it also functions as retail incubator. Several of the booths in the store are rented out to other entrepreneurs from Superior and the surrounding area to bring additional products into town. One will never know what they will find at the Copper Gecko; it is a treasure hunt for both the practical and unique items in life.
Sage advice: Leslie and Sonny have been entrepreneurs and business owners for many years. Leslie offers this sage advice to budding entrepreneurs and her fellow business colleagues, “Do it because you really like it. Be flexible and disciplined,” she said. While being flexible and disciplined seems like an oxymoron, businesses need to adapt and be flexible with the needs while at the same time being disciplined to run and operate a business successfully.
The “In Your Biz” column is sponsored weekly by the Superior Chamber of Commerce in an effort to further promote their business members. To learn more about the Superior Chamber of Commerce you can visit their website www.superiorarizonachamber.org or call them at 520-689-0200. The Chamber meets the third Wednesday of every month at their building 165 Main St. in Superior, Arizona.
Copper Gecko’s eclectic collection
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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