Client Name: Nancy and Ryan Dubois
Business Name: Munchie Mart
Business Website: https://munchiemart.wixsite.com/
Industry: Convenience store
Location: Manchester, NH
SBDC Advisor's Name: Andrea O'Brien
Nancy Dubois and her son, Ryan, love to cook, love people, and love making them happy, so they were at their happiest working at a convenience store. It was that work that led them to their dream of owning their own neighborhood convenience store, Munchie Mart, located in Manchester at the corner of Page and Hanover Streets.
It took some doing to get there though. Thankfully, as soon as they decided it was time to go for that dream, Nancy’s brother suggested she contact SBDC Business Advisor, Andrea O’Brien for support. There were a lot of hurdles to bringing Munchie Mart to life, and according to Nancy, Andrea was there to help with everything.
It began when Nancy and Ryan planned to purchase an already established store. Andrea ran the numbers with accountants and concluded that to buy that business would not be in their best interest. With that guidance and wanting to avoid any long-term debt, Nancy and Ryan opted out of the deal. But, as they say, “when one door closes, another one opens.”
A simple drive down the street presented a sign (literally) to Nancy. The Page Street Market location was available to rent. Excited at the opportunity, Nancy called the number and was discouraged to be told it was already rented. But, as Nancy’s soon to be landlord told her, she is “too stubborn to fail.”
When she saw no activity for a month, she called again and was still told it was rented. Admittedly, it was nerve wracking. But Nancy kept trying and trusting, saying, “God will provide. Everything will be alright.” The following six months were especially difficult after losing several family members. Her trust was tested. “I freaked out, and I’m like ‘I’m not being in debt for ten years. They’re right. I’m not doing it,’” recalls Nancy.
Refusing to give up, she picked up Ryan and drove to the still vacant Page Street Market where they met the landlord who once again said it was rented. Not one to back down, Nancy pointed out the lack of activity and they got to talking. The landlord quickly realized Nancy knew a lot of people in the community, waving to passers-by, sharing a who’s who with him, and confidently suggesting on the spot references. With his interest piqued, the landlord invited them inside and the vision began to take shape for Nancy and Ryan. Still, the landlord stated it was rented but agreed to call the renter to see if they still wanted it. Later that day, he called to say, “dear…you’re just too stubborn to fail. I’m going to let you have it.”
Nancy and Ryan were thrilled, but there still was a long road to opening. It was one disaster after the next, as they tried to open during COVID. It took them 15 months to fix it up and get the store up to their standards. Finally, they opened in October of 2022. Through everything, from the beginning, Andrea’s support was crucial.
She helped them with their business plan, putting together proposals for bank loans, and creating a spreadsheet for cash flow / projections. Andrea also connected them with an accountant and attorney. “She was fabulous with all her help and knowledge, “shares Nancy, adding “she makes every effort to make your life so much easier.” Nancy notes that Andrea was patient and helped guide and mentor them, clearly explaining various business processes to Nancy and Ryan.
Without the support of Andrea and SBDC, Nancy suspects she likely would have given up. “Anytime I had a problem, I’d run it by her and see what she thought about it,” says Nancy.
Nancy explains that with their business it’s like having five businesses under one roof. They know the kitchen well, and how much a meal costs. What was challenging was the other entities like the beer, the store, the ATM, the lottery, etc. So having guidance and support from Andrea was especially helpful.
“We could not have opened our business if we didn't get the help from Andrea and everyone else at the SBDC,”
says Nancy. “We are truly grateful to each and every one.”
Today, business is going very well for Munchie Mart, which is so much more than a convenience store. They also sell subs, homemade meals, desserts, salads, beer, wine, tobacco, and even Christmas trees. They also offer a catering service. Nancy says Munchie Mart is a “dream come true,” adding, “the future for us looks bright and promising. We have a lot of good supportive people in our lives. We are truly blessed.”