by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Sam Hatfield wasn’t born in Jacksonville, but he could’ve been.
“It’s funny, actually,” he said. “I’ve lived here for nearly my entire life, but just before I was born my father, who was in Army, was temporarily stationed in Albany, Ga.
“We moved back nine months later.”
Hatfield, now retired from the Air Force and the National Guard, is the assistant manager of Edgewater Treasures at the Landing.
He says it’s a perfect fit.
“Absolutely,” said Hatfield. “This is a great place for me because I’m a collector. I enjoy buying our merchandise as much as like selling it.”
Hatfield has collected over 220 ceramic lighthouses, one of the store’s top sellers, along with clocks and various figurines.
“Most of my paycheck goes right back to the store,” he said.
Hatfield has worked at Edgewater Treasure for 10 years, arriving less than half a year after it opened.
The job offer was extended by store owner Emory Robinson, a family friend.
“It’s great working here,” he said. “We see all kinds of people come through here, especially with the hotel business downtown, lots of tourists.
“I really enjoy talking to them.”
Hatfield, who can found at the store three or four days a week, said Edgewater Treasures also does a healthy national business.
“We have people who contact us from all over the country,” he said. “What typically happens is that people come through here during things like the Florida/Georgia game when it’s elbow to elbow and they contact us later.
“We sent orders out to New York and California last week.”
And though comfortable at the store, Hatfield recently moved to St. Augustine and may scale back his hours before long.
“Well, we’ll have to see,” he said. “After a while I’m sure the drive will start to wear on me, I may slow down a bit but I’m not planning on quitting altogether any time soon.
“I’d lose my employee discount.”