Why Not Jasper?

Greg and Cathy Faulkner emerged from retirement to open a family business called Jasper Pickers.

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill

Greg Faulkner has held many titles in his life—high school band director, assistant principal, principal, superintendent, music minister, instrument repairman, even military reservist. Of all those titles, he considers two the most important: husband and father.

Faulkner, a native of Phenix City, Alabama, met Cathy Riddle of Meridian, Mississippi, in the early 1980s when they were both members of The University of Alabama's Million Dollar Band. The two went on to get married and become parents to Jonathan, Kristin, and Leslie. After calling Autauga County home for around 30 years, the family took on a new venture and Greg took on another title: business owner.

"Cathy and I were newly retired from the Autauga County School System and looking for something to occupy our time and help subsidize our kids going to college,” Greg says. “There was a flea mall in the Prattville area that allowed folks to set up booths and sell their stuff, so we thought it would be a great idea to give it a try.”

The Faulkners posted up at the flea mall, selling items from their home they no longer needed or had repurposed from other sellers. Sales were good and soon they went from one booth to three, then from three to five. Profits began to drastically offset the costs of their kids' education, and when the demand became similar to that of a full-time job, Greg and Cathy emerged from retirement and followed a new path.

"When we saw what a good opportunity the flea mall business model was, we went to the owner and said, 'We want to buy the place,” recalls Greg. "She turned us down due to wanting to keep the business in her family. It was disappointing at the time, but it ended up working out in our favor."

About three months later, the Faulkners learned of a property in Jasper that would make the perfect home for their newfound business venture. The two had never heard of Jasper, but on a whim and a promise, they loaded up the car and headed to Walker County.

In June 2017, they purchased the property on Highway 78 that was formerly home to G. May and Son's Furniture. Within days, they began building their family business, a flea mall and antique market called Jasper Pickers.

"We fell for this community quickly. As everyone heard about our idea, we were met with excitement and that was reassuring,” Greg says. “Only one person had something negative to say, and that was ‘Why would you choose Jasper?’ Our response was ‘Why not Jasper?’”

Since the doors opened to the public on July 14, 2017, Jasper Pickers has become home to 373 (and counting) vendors. These vendors sell anything—from antiques and collectibles to handmade art and clothing. Some interesting finds over the years have included coal mining artifacts, Civil War relics, coins from the 1800s, some Shriner’s hats, and even a letter from Elvis Presley written to his mother. If you’re looking for something, or even if you’re not, Jasper Pickers likely has it!

The Faulkner family can be found at the store seven days a week, helping customers, and making new friends. “Our vendors, our staff, and especially our customers have made the last four years something truly special for our family,” Greg says. “There’s no place we’d rather have this business, and we’re truly blessed to have landed where we did. We’re excited for what the future holds.” 78