Not Just Comics
Let's face it, at some point in our lives we have all read a comic book, watched a superhero movie, or played with an action figure and, whether we want to admit it or not, we loved it. There is something mystifying about disconnecting from the real world and getting lost in something you love. Whether you are a child or an adult, there is something everyone can enjoy and what better place to go check them out than East Side Mags in Montclair!
Segment 1
The owner of East Side Mags, Jeff Beck, gives us a total background on his career in corporate America and eventually leaving to start his own comic book store. Learning the in's-and-out's of how to run a business, he was able to take that knowledge and connect it with something he loved. He was at his original location in Montclair for seven years and just moved to his new location on Bloomfield Ave in Montclair for the last few months.
Today in New Jersey History: On January 17, 1876 the 30th Governor of New Jersey, Frank Hague was born. Known as the "Grandaddy of Jersey Bosses," Hague had a well-known reputation for corruption. At the time of his death his wealth was estimated at $10million, even though his city salary was only $8,500 per year and he had no other legitimate source of income.
Segment 2
Jeff discusses taking a passion and turning it into a business and whether or not the joy behind that passion wears off and how he works to make quality recommendations to his customers. We also discuss the impact of the pandemic on his business and how he saw the community he has built over the last seven years come through for not only East Side Mags, but the Montclair community as a whole.
New Jersey Fun Fact: New Jersey's state seashell is the knobbed whelk.
Segment 3
When East Side Mags moved from their original location to the new location, they were moving essentially across the street. They planned to put everything in boxes, put things on handtrucks, and walk them across and at 7am people had showed up to help. Jeff has been giving his community a space to explore their interests, find like-minded individuals, and make a difference in their lives.
East Side Mags: eastsidemags.com
Address: 491 Bloomfield Ave Montclair, NJ 07042
Instagram: @eastsidemags
Thank you to our sponsors:
Albert & Whitney CPAs awcpasllc.com
Contact the show: greetingsfromthegardenstate@gmail.com
Website: greetingsfromthegardenstate.com
Follow us on Instagram: @greetingsfromthegardenstate
Music (used with permission): "Crazy" by Manny Cabo www.mannycabo.com
