Austin Buford
Austin Buford
Store Manager, Big Brothers Pawn #3, Bentonville, AR
Years in the pawn industry: 7 (3 in management)
How I got started in the pawn industry: My grandfather [Stan Thomas] opened Big Brothers Pawn in 1990 in Springdale, AR. He recruited me in 1997 after my nagging efforts to be in the shop as often as possible. I began my career at 6 years old sorting the USA sockets from the Taiwan sockets.
The best advice I ever received: “Take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves,” from my grandfather
Greatest accomplishments in my pawn career so far: My store has been awarded the “Pawn Shop of the Year” for outperforming the other 3 stores in our 4-store operation in 2017 and 2018.
My media mix:
Musical artists – Hank Williams, Jr, Johnny Cash, Chris Stapleton
Social media – Facebook, Instagram
TV shows – Power, Ozark, American Horror Story
The last book I read was: “Never Lose A Customer Again” by Joey Coleman
My role model is: My grandfather, Stan Thomas
NPA members would be surprised to learn that I: Have had four frightening near-death experiences
When I’m not at work, I enjoy: Hunting, fishing, spending time with my beautiful wife and rambunctious 2-year-old baby boy
If I wasn’t a pawnbroker, I’d be: Enjoying the outdoors working residential remodel construction
