Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonnie Coleman.
Tonnie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Over 6 years ago, our founders realized during previous jobs that they needed to audio record and document conversations more and more. It seems like in today’s society you can never be too careful when dealing with people one on one. Sometimes you say something specific to a person, and then they may repeat it using different words, therefore it’s always helpful to record certain kinds of meetings. Then one day the idea popped up, ‘let’s open a Spy Shop.’ Since there was not another one around quite like this, it was a no-brainer. We had also met Richard “Jaws” Kiel from the James Bond movies a few years before this and he agreed to be our spokesperson and do our commercials so it all worked out great.
Now 6 years later, we are selling nationwide, traveling to conventions across the country, selling to law enforcement, celebrities, concerned parents and spouses. We are Houston’s premiere Spy Shop and one of the most popular ones in the country.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing is perfect; there are always some bumps in the road. Being that we are a spy shop who deals with covert cameras, GPS trackers, and more, there are laws and legalities that we and our customers must abide by. It is not always easy explaining laws or refusing service to customers who inform us of the intent to use items illegally. We always suggest customers speak with an attorney before purchasing certain items depending on what they are using them for, and we do our best to inform customers of the laws set in place in regards to their situation.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Central Spy Shop – what should we know?
Our company specializes in safety and surveillance. We offer specialty products and gadgets that help parents monitor the whereabouts of their children, parents monitor their children while in the care of a babysitter, family members monitor elderly loved ones, concerned spouses, domestic violence and every day needed equipment that can be used to record important meetings and/or phone calls. We also offer safety gadgets such as stun guns, Tasers, and pepper-spray because an individual can never be too protected.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Our generous, hands-on, and all-over superb customer service and knowledge of our products is the most important to our success. The technology we deal with can be very tedious and confusing, but we strive to help customers understand it and answer any and all questions to the best of our abilities.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7087 Highway 6 N
Houston, TX 77095 - Website: centralspyshop.com
- Phone: 2815507797
- Email: centralspyshop2@gmail.com
- Instagram: centralspyshop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Central-Spy-Chicks-527647137312875/
Image Credit:
Tonnie Coleman
Zach Gray
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