by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
“We’re a mom-and-pop business based on personal service.”
That’s how Vikki Wilkins describes the business plan she and her husband, Terry, implemented in October 2003 when they opened the door to their new UPS Store at 221 N. Hogan St., between Adams and Monroe streets.
Since then, they’ve watched a lot of changes in the neighborhood and have been part of making some of them happen.
In addition to owning a business, Vikki is co-chair of the Zone 1 Sheriff’s Advisory Council (ShAdCo). She’s also a regular at City meetings concerning urban core issues as well as an active participant in Downtown Vision Inc.’s efforts.
Among developments that have helped most are the short-term parking meters the City recently installed on the street in front of the UPS Store.
“That makes it really easy and convenient for our customers who just need to run in for a minute to drop off something or pick something up. We worked with the City to get the meters and having them has really helped our business,” said Wilkins.
Wilkins said she and her husband work every day on a campaign started by UPS about six years ago to educate the market about the range of services available at a UPS Store.
“So many people think a UPS Store is only about shipping packages, but we do a lot more than that,” said Wilkins.
In addition to the obvious, the store also offers copy services from a single letter-size sheet to large-format copies, such as blueprints, presentations and demonstrative evidence. Color copies also are available from original documents or digital formats. The store can scan documents and duplicate CDs and DVDs. The store offers free pickup and delivery for law firms that need large copying jobs and assistance for walk-in customers.
“We do more copying here than at most UPS stores,” said Wilkins
People who need to be fingerprinted for employment or background checks also come in daily, while customers also visit for a passport photo.
The store offers any service provided at a U.S. Post Office, from stamps and Express Mail to rental post office boxes and mail drop-off.
Approaching the seven-year mark as Downtown merchants, the couple’s business will soon be in what Wilkins calls “the center of it all” with the opening of the new county courthouse less than two blocks away.
“The City moving into the Ed Ball Building helped a lot, but we can’t wait for the new courthouse. It’s why we came Downtown,” said Wilkins.
Wilkins said she and her husband attribute their success to the concept they had when they opened the business, to provide personal service and be part of the neighborhood.
“We don’t just work here, we own the business and that makes a difference. As long as we’ve been here, we know most of our customers by name. We’re living the American Dream Downtown,” she said.
356-2466