Three Minutes Across the Counter With: Rick Buchanan

You may know that he owns RJ Coins & Jewelry on Pickering Wharf, but did you know he's related to Rebecca Nurse?

Spend three minutes behind the counter with Salem business owner Rick Buchanan. 

Patch: How did you get your first start in business?

R: My father started RJ Coins & Jewelry in 1979. I was between jobs after 33 years in electronics when I started coming to the store to help my dad. One day a week turned into two and then three. He asked me about buying the store and at first I said no but later he asked again and, well here I am!

P: How did your parents influence you as a business owner?

R: My dad still works with me part time. Not only has he helped learn the daily workings of the business, but I found that his attention to, and respect for the customer is key to its success. I try to follow his example of treating people right.

P: How long have you lived here?

R:  I grew up in Lynn. I currently live in southern NH but my wife and I are looking to come back and live here in Salem. We enjoy the people, the city and being back near our friends.   

P: What's your favorite thing about living here?

R: I love being near the ocean and being able to walk to where you want to go. Plus Salem people are very friendly. We can’t wait to move here!

P: What's a business mistake you've made that later you were glad you did?

R: I wondered a lot in the beginning if buying the store was the right thing to do but it’s been fun. It is definitely a challenge but I get to work with my dad and I like working with and talking to all of the people who come into the store.

P: Tell us something about yourself that most of your neighbors don't know.

R: My uncle on my mother’s side traced our ancestry back to Rebecca Nurse.

P: What's the best business advice you've ever received?

R: I work with many types of jewelry and old coins. We see a lot of beautiful and interesting items. When I first started an acquaintance who works with antiques told me to be careful not to fall in love with the product. You have to sell it to stay in business.
P: What advice would you give to a small business owner just starting out?

R: It’s the people who walk through the door that make a business successful. Let them know you appreciate it.

P: What do you look for when you hire?

R: Our business is built on customer trust so in addition to experience with coins and jewelry, we look for people who are honest and who genuinely like people.

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Nominate someone from your community for the Patch Park Bench interview. Send suggestions to owen.boss@patch.com.