In the West Michigan Is Going Places series we are talking with local business owners and community leaders about their business successes and challenges and highlighting the resources available in the West Michigan business community.
In this interview we talked with Ben Soldaat of Grand Rapids Coins about his business. Grand Rapids Coins sells mostly U.S. coins and currency to customers locally in West Michigan and nationwide and assists investors who are interested in purchasing precious metals.
RM: Could you tell us a little about what your business does and how it got started?
Ben Soldaat: Grand Rapids Coins buys and sells precious metals for investment purposes as well as appraises and buys estate collections consisting of coins, gold and silver, and other precious metals pieces. The business got started out of a recognition that there was a need in the West Michigan area for buyers and sellers of precious metals and estate coins.
How has your business changed since you first started out?
Ben Soldaat: The business began out of a basement office and has grown to two brick-and-mortar locations in the West Michigan area, one in Grandville and one in Rockford. We have continued to see additional demand for what we do.
What makes you passionate about what you do?
Ben Soldaat: What makes us passionate? The continued help and support that we provide our customers, whether it be guiding them in the right direction as they invest in gold or silver or sifting through deceased loved ones’ collections.
How has being here in West Michigan helped your business?
Ben Soldaat: The people in West Michigan are truly what has helped our business. Time and time again people say that they want to deal with small businesses instead of online retailers. We are honored that they still have hometown values and look to us for their individual needs.
What’s your approach to customer service and connecting with the community?
Ben Soldaat: We value our customers, as they are what makes our business thrive. We treat people as we would want to be treated. Each person that walks through the door is treated as if they were our family or friends.
How do you plan to grow or adapt your business for the future?
Ben Soldaat: We continue to grow, and, as we grow, we are finding ways to the community that has made us so successful. We are implementing a Grand Rapids Gives Back fundraising program where organizations will receive a unique coupon code. A percentage of all sales will be given back to the program.
We also how have a really fun fundraising program where we host gold and silver parties. We will host a gold and silver party for your organization. Guests will bring there unloved jewelry, and Grand Rapids Coins will buy it and provide cash to the seller; and, once again, a percentage of all jewelry sold will go to your organization. It’s a really fun way to engage with our community.
Are there any local organizations or networks that have been particularly helpful for you in building your business?
Ben Soldaat: We have not partnered with any organizations. Our clients word of mouth is our best partnership. We could not ask for better clients.
