A STORE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
Jeff and Darla Preiss
By Anthony Stoeckert It takes a lot to create a successful business, and one thing that has made Franklin Billiard Company stand out and build a dedicated customer base – one that continues to grow – is its commitment to providing each person who walks into the store with the finest service possible and helping every customer determine what home recreation product is best for them. “Each story and each person’s needs are totally different than the next,” says Jeff Preiss, who along with his wife, Darla, owns the store, located in Pacific, Missouri, about 30 miles from St. Louis. “There are similarities but they’re not identical. Our com28 | BCA INSIDER • NEW YEAR ISSUE 2021
mitment is that we meet their expectations, and if we don’t, let us know why and we’ll fix it.” Among Jeff’s many responsibilities is deliveries, which means he interacts with just about every one of Franklin Billiard Company’s customers. “Whenever I deliver, I explain everything I can about the table, it’s not just about dropping it off and putting it together,” he says. “I usually explain why I do things that I do. They get a card that has my cell number on it, and I’m extremely meticulous about what I put together.”
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THAT LAST Darla says the store’s approach is rooted in honesty and serving each customer’s needs. For example, when talking about pool table cloth, she will explain the various kinds that are available, and how different cloths play differently. But she doesn’t push the most expensive offerings because she knows a lot of people are on a budget and will do just fine with other brands.
