Written By Amber Galaviz, Aug 3, 2018, Orange County Review, click here for entire article.
The Orange County Chamber of Commerce and the Orange County Review are partnering to highlight a Chamber business of the month. Those recognized are Chamber members and demonstrate support for both the Chamber and the community.
Each month, a different business (selected by the Chamber) will be featured with a questionnaire designed to give the community some insight into both the business and the individuals responsible for its success.
Gibson Rental (and Auction)
220 Byrd St., Orange
Gibson Auctions began as a family business in 1987. Roger and Annis Gibson operated auctions with help from their twin sons, Ryan and Brian. As the Gibson family conducted personal property, estate, farm machinery/liquidations, business liquidations and real estate auctions under tents, people expressed interest in having the family set up the tents for weddings and other events. The family business evolved and Gibson Rental was born. The rental aspect of the business offers rental services to central Virginia, including tents, tables, chairs, lighting, staging, flooring, heating/cooling, restroom trailers, linens and more.
Gibsons was selected as the Orange County Chamber of Commerce’s (OCCC) August business of the month because of its dedication to the community and Chamber. Chamber director Tammy Collins said Gibson Auction and Rental is a longtime supporter and contributor to the success of the Chamber, the Orange County Fair Association, 4-H and the Therapeutic Activity Camp of Orange. Gibson’s also serves as a drop-off site and organization site for the Orange County Toy Box. Both Roger and Ryan Gibson have served on the OCCC board of directors.
Gibson Auction and Rental, co-owned by Roger, Ryan and Brian Gibson, makes customer satisfaction its main goal. The business remains centered on family, with both Ryan and Brian’s wives and sons also on board. Ryan Gibson and his wife, Rachel, shared their feelings on their business, lives and tastes.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Ryan: The compliments you get back is probably the best thing.
Rachel: I think when the brides come back from their honeymoons and tell us how perfect their wedding was and that it couldn’t have been better. I love to get those type of responses back a week after we’ve set up for something. I like to hear good feedback from brides.
How would you want someone to describe your business to someone else?
Rachel: That we’re honest, hardworking, reliable and dependable.
What’s next for your business?
Ryan: We’re taking the auctions online only instead of doing them live.
Rachel: This auction thing is a big change for us because we don’t need as much hands-on labor and having Troy’s company here.
[The new “Antique to Chic Galleria” business opened by Troy and Kathleen Ayers is located in the showroom of Gibson’s.]
All of that is a big change for us, now.
Favorite book or movie?
Ryan: “Sling Blade”
Rachel: His favorite book is any tenting book or magazine he can get his hands on. He studies it constantly, online and in the books he gets.
What music is on your playlist?
Ryan: It’s going to be country music, Chris Stapleton.
What’s the best thing about being in business in Orange?
Ryan: The fact that it’s a small town and not a big city. A lot of our business, like 70 percent, is repeat business.
Rachel: I think the community support. I feel like we get a lot of local support from repeat customers. I think people trust family businesses, smaller businesses.
What was your first job?
Ryan: [Brian and I] worked on a farm. The guy had buffalo, goats that would pass out and Bullmastiff dogs.
Rachel: They also did auctions growing up.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Ryan: I wanted to be a baseball player.
What’s a perfect weekend look like?
Ryan: Sunshine and no phone calls.
Rachel: No emergency calls.
Met anyone famous?
Ryan: Al Franken.
Rachel: We did Al Franken’s daughter’s wedding.
Best business advice you could offer?
Rachel: To be fair and honest. Stick to your word and be dependable.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Ryan: We just want to thank the community ...
Rachel: For their continued support.