Today we’d like to introduce you to Wayne McNeil.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have loved comic books ever since I was a kid. I had the opportunity to attend and graduate college from the University of Texas at Arlington but all my jobs afterward were just jobs. I felt very little connection to them and none of them felt like a career. Although I met my future wife through my last job!
I decided to take a chance and open a comic and game store and 23 years later we are still around and thriving.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was not always a smooth road. There were some of the usual struggles – hiring the right employees and road construction.
The hardest obstacle to overcome is the ever-changing face of geek culture. Since our store carries more than just comics and games, we have the challenge to make sure our store reflects that. And since geek culture has become so mainstream the struggle has become even harder.
We moved into a store that was double the size of the old one so it became easier. I carry more product now – an amount that would have staggered me earlier.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Generation X Comics & Games – what should we know?
Generation X Comics and Games is primarily a store that carries comics and games. We have new comics and back issues. We also have collected editions which collect a story arc of individual issues. Additionally, we carry collectible card games, miniature games, role-playing games and all the extras for those games. Plus we carry a vast selection of geek culture items like t-shirts, toys, and other accessories.
The store is known for its selection. Customers have a choice between a wide variety of merchandise – one of the very best in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
I am proud of the staff at GenX. It is a challenge to keep up with the workload. From helping customers to working out new merchandise/restocks to maintaining the Facebook page to organizing events. But without fail, they get it done.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I never let the negative energies of those around me bring me down, I try to maintain a positive attitude. I would have never opened a COMIC store if I had listened to traditional wisdom.
I also try to make decisions with as little emotion as possible. If you get too high or low when making business decision you tend to make mistakes. And mistakes cost money.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3504 Harwood Rd #304
Bedford, TX 76021 - Phone:817-540-5556
- Email:genxcomics@hotmail.com
- Facebook:facebook.com/Gen.X.Comics.Games/
- Twitter:@GenX_Comics
Image Credit:
Tabitha Armstrong
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
