How Olyphant Found Its Trunk

olympia art store
Olyphant's owners, Nick and J.B., stand out front next to their trunk-wielding mascot. Photo credit: Todd Gruel.
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By Todd B. Gruel

heritage bankNick and J.B. Baldridge, brothers and co-owners of Olyphant, grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. After spending their formative years in the grid-locked metropolis of Missouri, the Baldridge brothers needed a change. Like most people who tire of their hometown at an early age, they yearned to see more of the world. So with friends and family in Colorado, they packed up and moved to Denver.

While in Denver, they both studied music at a local university, focusing on composition and theory. After awhile, Nick eventually switched to a physical training program, studying health and fitness. Artistically inclined, Nick and J.B. both continued to pursue their creative projects: Nick spent his free time drawing and painting while J.B. produced music videos and other video projects. Although their mediums differed, they both shared a serious interest in all forms of creative expression.

olympia art store
Olyphant’s owners, Nick and J.B., stand out front next to their trunk-wielding mascot. Photo credit: Todd Gruel.

But after seven years in Denver, they were restless again. This time they looked for a city smaller than Denver. That’s when Nick and J.B. glanced towards the Pacific Northwest and pronounced Olympia home. So they packed up their cars and drove across country with little more than their life savings. When they arrived in Olympia, they still had no idea what they were going to do. Yet after adjusting to the city, they eventually noticed that there was a shortage of local art stores – a problem for artists who need supplies (whether hobbyists or professionals).

Despite the fact that neither of them had worked in retail before, they looked into what it would take to start their own business. They read blogs – lots of them. And they contacted art store owners elsewhere who provided insight about starting and running a company.

During their research, Nick and J.B. slept in a tent in their friend’s backyard – carefully living off their savings. Only after the intensive planning were they ready to move forward. With a purpose backed by some business sensibilities, Olyphant was born. And Olympia must have responded favorably, because two months after the doors first opened, the Baldridge brothers were able to leave their tent behind.

olympia art store
With a wide range of pens and markers to choose from, Olyphant probably has what you’re looking for. Photo credit: Nick Baldridge.

Having relocated several times already, Olyphant has recently settled into a comfortable and convenient location off of 5th Avenue. With a can-do attitude and artistic sensibilities in tow, Nick and J.B. have remodeled each building on their own: scraping grout, laying surface concrete, and painting walls. From the mural out front (sporting their trunk-wielding mascot), to the brightly painted walls inside, their attention to detail is impressive.

The way that Olyphant does business also demonstrates a thoughtful sense of purpose. First, the store prices are highly competitive. Nick and J.B. are willing to match their competitors, including online vendors. In addition to competitive prices, Olyphant aspires to stock only the highest-quality products. Being artists themselves, Nick and J.B. make an effort to test everything that they carry. Their criteria for quality is equally informed by feedback that they receive from their customers.

The range of products that they offer is equally impressive. Olyphant is always ready to special order something if they don’t have something in stock that a customer wants. They have even been known to keep certain items on the shelves that only a few local artists use regurarly. Perhaps more befitting of investigative journalism, Olyphant thoroughly screens the products that they sell. As Nick explains to me with fervent candor: they want to make sure that they don’t support the wrong people. They seem sincerely interested in ensuring that the companies they support are ethical and environmentally conscious.

olympia art store
Olyphant’s comprehensive collection of acrylic and oil paints. Photo credit: Todd Gruel.

One of the more unique features of Olyphant is its website. Nick and J.B. noticed early on that there was a lack of central support for the promotion of local art-related classes and events within the community. So they responded to this glaring need for leadership by taking the initiative to create a comprehensive list of local classes and schools. This unique service is free for teachers and organizations and anyone interested in promoting their events and programs. It’s a wonderful way to connect people together in a city that thrives on creativity, goodwill, and neighborly love.

Olyphant’s website offers a convenient way to search for posts using category tags for teachers, venues, or even types of mediums (watercolor, charcoal, acrylic paints, etc.). The website also provides an automated map feature which helps visitors with planning and travel details. Olyphant even provides off-site links, redirecting visitors to the originators of the events or classes. If someone is too busy to promote themselves in full detail they can submit a single picture instead which Olyphant then posts on their event blog. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

All in all, Olyphant has truly created an inspiring business model. For a small homegrown operation they’re incredibly well-stocked with some of the highest quality products available in the industry. Their blog features special supplies that they carry, so curious customers can stay up-to-date with a simple click of the mouse. Olyphant is dedicated to stimulating the local community through quality products, friendly service, and their forward-thinking website and blog. The fact that they’re willing to stock special items for the sake of only a few customers proves that they really care about helping fellow artists.

olympia art store
J.B. works behind the counter at Olyphant in downtown Olympia. Photo credit: Todd Gruel.

In a jungle full of many tracks but few leaders, Olyphant now has four paws on the ground and is hot on the trail of something special.

Olyphant

119 – 5th Ave SE in downtown Olympia

360-943-1295

www.theolyphant.com

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