In our first Business Beacon, a feature we hope will become a useful spotlight to connect area businesses and consumers, we catch up with Mary Ezell at Fixture Exchange. The Fixture Exchange is a “neighbor” to our Destin office at City Market Bayside.
SSIR: How did you get the idea or concept for your business?
Mary: Thirty years ago, there was nowhere to shop for beautiful fixtures (plumbing, lighting and hardware) so we decided to go to the factories direct, cut out the middle man and get product to the end-user.
SSIR: Let’s discuss numbers: What year did you open? How many locations do you have? How many people do you employ?
Mary: Opened in 1984, with 1 location, employing 3-8 people.
SSIR: What do you sell or what service do you provide? What’s your best seller?
Mary: We sell all types and price ranges of plumbing fixtures and lighting fixtures, as well as door and cabinet hardware.
SSIR: What’s unique about what you do or offer?
Mary: We are able to listen to the customer and give them exactly what they are looking for, in both design and within their budget.
SSIR: How would you describe your business to a potential customer?
Mary: The best showroom and service anywhere on the Emerald Coast!
SSIR: What do you love most about your line of work?
Mary: Pleasing the client and creating their dreams.
SSIR: What sorts of trends are you seeing in your industry?
Mary: We are heading back to hidden kitchens and nice working pantries with a flair.
SSIR: Tell me in just a sentence or two what you feel sets you apart from your competitors.
Mary: Service and design.
SSIR: Who or what inspires you? This could be a family member or celebrity, a particular quote or even a book/movie/podcast. The sky’s the limit!
Mary: Mother Nature, historic buildings and simple clean lines that never go out of style.
SSIR: What’s the best thing about being a part of the Emerald Coast, personally and/or professionally?
Mary: I love the ease of life presented here and our magnificent landscape! No better place in the world.
SSIR: Are you/your business involved in the community in any way? Volunteering or giving back? If so, how?
Mary: We support our local charities of all sorts and love shopping locally always.
SSIR: What does a typical day in your business look like? (Pretend it’s Monday (or Friday!) and take me through the highlights of your day.)
Mary: Monday, putting out any fires that come along/Friday, made it through the week happy and healthy.
SSIR: What’s your best “insider tip?” (This could be a community tip for vacationers or homeowners or even a tip for customers related to your business.)
Mary: Never ever settle. Take a deep breath and look for the best.
SSIR: How do you recharge or relax when the day is done?
Mary: Cook, cook, cook! I love to eat.
SSIR: Just the deets please! Where are you located? Business hours? Social media profiles and/or website links we need to know about? (Please feel free to add social media handles or direct links!)
Mary: 4495 Furling Lane, Suite 140 in Destin. Our website. You can also find Fixture Exchange on Facebook and Instagram.
SSIR: One final question: If there was just one thing you wish the public knew about your business, what would it be?
Mary: For over 30 years, our service and attention to our customers and our repeat business is what we’ve prided ourselves on.
To learn more about Fixture Exchange, visit them on the web, Facebook or Instagram.
