In 1985, Scott Pridmore’s parents started an electrical supply store in Columbus. That small shop eventually became Lighting Unlimited and Uncommon Living, the lighting and interior design location tucked along Gardner Boulevard that Scott ran alongside his wife, Helen.
Now, nearly 40 years later, that light is being passed to a new generation.
Their daughter, Chase Hazard, is officially taking the reins and leading the business into its next chapter as Uncommon Living. The name change comes just in time for the store’s 40th anniversary celebration next month.
Hazard is excited to celebrate her new ownership and the family business’s big 4-0, but she’s taking over sooner than expected due to her father’s unexpected passing about a year ago.
“This is going to all be new to me, but it’s something my dad prepared me for,” she said. “We just didn’t think it would be happening so soon. … I’m very excited, and I’ve been doing this for the last 10 years. I know this business.”
Although Helen is handing leadership over to her daughter, she will still be a part of the business she and Scott built over the years.
“Everything is going to stay the same, it’s just the name change,” Hazard said. “… With this new chapter, it felt right to go with our new name. To start fresh with a new brand, a new perspective, a new appreciation for everything my parents worked for. We’re still the same people here.”
The family will celebrate its anniversary from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 1 with an open house. You can find further details on the company’s Instagram and website.
Forty years is no small feat.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 20% of businesses fail in the first year, 40% in the first three, and nearly 80% close in the first 20, meaning Lighting Unlimited and Uncommon Living has defeated the odds.
“I could take up hours of your time talking about my dad and what he meant to our family and how hard it’s been to continue this business without him physically being here,” Hazard said. “He was my dad first, but also my adviser, my supporter and my person to keep me grounded and humble in all that I do. I hope he would be proud of my mother and me continuing to do what we love, and now also doing that with his legacy in mind.”
Here’s to many more years for the Pridmore and Hazard family. I think we all know that Scott would be proud.
And speaking of anniversaries, another local favorite is celebrating a big one. Marvin’s may not have been in Columbus for all 80 years, but the company’s milestone deserves a shoutout.
In 1945, Marvin Cohn opened a hardware store in Alabama City, now known as Gadsden. By 1956, Cohn rented a warehouse to help maintain Marvin’s growing inventory. The business continued to expand into the 1960s with stores opening throughout the state, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. This month, the building materials and home center store boasting nearly 30 locations is celebrating 80 years.
Marvin’s, 939 Alabama St., will celebrate 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 25. Currently looking for more vendors, the hometown hardware store is hosting a farmer’s market during the celebration. Marvin’s will have 15% off everything, free burgers and hot dogs, giveaways and reward members will earn triple points.
Also in Columbus, Full Tilt Collision 3541 Hwy. 50 E., is officially open at its new location.
The collision repair company has been open for more than 30 years and serves customers throughout the entire Golden Triangle region.
Moving to Starkville, we’re getting another restaurant on Highway 12.
Since Starkvegas Bar and Grill closed earlier this year, the old Pizza Hut building at 211 Hwy. 12 has been sitting empty, but a new spot is taking its place. According to city planner Daniel Havalin, Fei Huang has filed a permit to open Osaka Steakhouse.
Online, the restaurant is listed as O’sake and Steak House, though the phone number listed isn’t active yet. I reached out to the owner, but hadn’t heard back by press time on Wednesday
I’ll see y’all next week!
Former Dispatch reporter Mary Pollitz writes weekly about interesting business news. Have a tip? Send it to [email protected].
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
