front&center Greg Bess

Businessman invests in Hardy's future

— Just up the hill from Hardy's Main Street is Words Bookstore. Cross the wraparound porch of the historic stone house and come into what used to be the parlor. Resist the urge to slide a book from a rack and snuggle up in a comfy chair before the fireplace. Instead walk down the enclosed hallway to AfterWords Cafe, an inviting nook that specializes in gourmet coffees and teas, homemade sandwiches, wraps and panini grills and desserts.

Two new businesses in old Hardy? Yes - they are part of owner Greg Bess' unique approach to helping the local economy.

He opened the bookstore in August 2006 and the cafe in March 2007. Bess said he wants to create a successful business, then turn it over to someone who doesn't have the resources to start from scratch.

"First, we want to show what works," Bess said, "then transition to someone else who will run it."

When he finds the right person, Bess said he is ready to accept "sweat equity," charge rent or take a share of the profits until the new proprietor can become the owner. Then Bess will start another business for another person.

Last year, Words Bookstore offered some 5,000 titles for sale. He stocks 56 titles by local authors. Each downstairs room of the 1,800-square-foot house has racks of books, including the bathroom where a big stuffed bear reads while taking a "bubble bath."

The walls of AfterWords Cafe display works by local artists and photographers. All the art is for sale. EveryFriday and Saturday evening, patrons enjoy live music. About one Saturday afternoon a month, Bess hosts a book signing for a local author or holds a showing for an artist.

Born and raised in Blytheville, Bess met his wife Ja-Noel, maiden name Lott, in high school. He worked as an electrical engineer for AT&T and as a software engineer for Intel Corporation.

After JaNoel's health declined following a long bout with breast cancer, the couple moved to Hardy in 2001. A Delta flatlander, Bess had fished in the Spring River and loved those green Ozark hills. Hoping to do something together, the couple bought the Olde Stonehouse Bed and Breakfast Inn at 108 W. Main Street, which he still runs.

JaNoel had a great love of books and felt Hardy needed a bookstore.

"That was her dream," he said. "Mine was to make it happen."

As his wife's illness progressed, Bess increasingly became the face of the business and handled more of the day-to-day interactions with customers.

"Before that, I couldn't start a conversation," he said. "I think her secret plan was to make me be more outgoing. Socialize and fellowship - I use those words a lot now." Though he had never run a business before, Bess had first-rate corporate experience and training. He and his wife created a business plan that included helping someone else run it later.

With two other investors, they formed Burgeon Enterprises.

"Our purpose is to foster and build creative enterprises to improve the economy," Bess said. "Along the way we don't want to lose money, but we don't expect to get rich either. However, recovering our investment is important."

Soon after the bookstore opened, JaNoel died. Bess said he hadn't been much of a reader until then, but he is now. He talks to every customer that visits Words Bookstore.

"I have 20 or 30 people who tell me what they like to read and what books they've heard about," Bess said. "I use their recommendations and other customers' suggestions to order the books we offer."

Bess sends a monthly newsletter to 400 customers and has a mail-order business.

As he became acquainted with his customers, he realized people were looking for a place to meet and talk. Country stores, front porches and even parks are the gathering places of the past, whereas coffee shops are taking on new importance as community hubs.

Bess decided to open AfterWords Cafe. In addition to providing a place for people to meet and chat, the business has practical appeal.

"People will search the Internet looking for a place with Wi-Fi and coffee," he said.

AfterWords has both.

For the past two years, he has mentored dozens of young employees, teaching them how to cook and serve food, to wait on customers and other job skills.

"I try to teach kids not only what to do but why," Bess said.

In February, he bumped out the cafe's back wall for a bandstand. The enclosed side porch has been the scene of musical fundraisers for local organizations and special events like a Valentines Dinner for 85 people.

A year ago Bess married Beth McEntire, who works for Hometown Radio in Hardy.

"She is a huge supporter of the bookstore and cafe and a major supporter of my time with Burgeon, the music, the arts and my economic endeavors," Bess said.

Bess' economic endeavors include serving as president of the Sharp County Economic Development Commission and as chairman of the North Central Arkansas Regional Economic Development Commission. Recently, he was one of 25 Arkansans accepted into LeadAR, a two-year leadership development program sponsored by the University of Arkansas.

matter of fact Birthday: Nov. 12, 1956 Occupation: Entrepreneur Family includes: Wife, Beth McEntire Bess; daughters Rebecca and Leah; stepsons Jeff and Joe Hobbies: Scuba diving, fly fishing Most people don't know I'm: This is a small town, they know everything I cannot live without: Music. I don't play it but I love it What makes me mad: Quick judgments The person I admire most: My father My favorite memory is: Hanging out at the Spring River when I was in high school The world would be a better place if: We got back to simple communications. I think we're too individual and have lost the ability to talk to each other My goals for the future: I'm very much involved in the economy, so I'm looking to get the word out about the local economy and how to strengthen it. Other than that, just spending more time with my family

Three Rivers, Pages 131, 136 on 03/15/2009

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