Q & A  with Tom Wilson, owner of Wilson & Associates Real Estate Appraisal Services and Linda Lombardi, manager of Phillips Furniture.
 
How long have you had your company?
Tom: Wilson & Associates Real Estate Appraisal Services was started by my father, Darryl Wilson, in 1973 as a one person operation.  I came aboard in 1988 and we have grown into the largest appraisal firm in Middle Georgia with branch offices in Macon and Perry.  My dad is still a very active and important part of our business.
 
Has this always been your career path?
Tom: I believe as most people in their 40's would tell you, the answer is no.  I played music in bands from the time I was 12 (and still do today), and until my early 20's I was convinced I was going to be a rock star.  But then maturity set in, and I decided it would be best to get a haircut, go to college, and get a real job.  After graduation I worked in education at Macon State College before I joined my father in the appraisal business.   
 
What is an appraiser?
Tom: A real estate appraiser estimates the value of property.  This can be houses, commercial property, land, condos, etc.
 
Appraisers and lenders – what is the appraiser's role?
Tom: Lenders hire appraisers for a variety of reasons including mortgage loans, estimating the value of property for lines of credit, or finding out how much something is worth for foreclosure purposes.  These are just a few of the scenarios, but the bottom line is lenders use us to help them make informed decisions on value issues.
 
How can you become an appraiser?
Tom: Registered, Licensed, and Certified are the three levels of appraisers recognized by the state.  The first step is to take a series of classes and then pass a state exam to become Registered.  You then need to apprentice under a Certified appraiser for about two years, and then take another state exam to become licensed.  If you want to become Certified (the highest recognized level offered by the state), more hours and another exam is required.  In addition to state licensing, private organizations such as the Appraisal Institute offer the SRA and MAI Designations with more training and testing.
 
What do you enjoy most about your career?
Tom: That's easy.  I love the relationships I have with our clients and the fact that those relationships are built on doing business the right way.  As a Christian operated business, it's important that our clients know that we try to do everything with character, integrity, and excellence.  Anyone can have a job.  I want to have a purpose.
 
What advice do you have for young-entrepreneurs and start-ups?
Tom: As far as the appraisal business goes, I'd be less than honest if I didn't tell them that now is not the best time to get into real estate.  But I do believe that after we come out of this downturn, things will be better than ever. 
 
If I want to know more, how can I get in touch with you?
Tom: You can go to our websites at MaconAppraisals.com or HoustonPeachAppraisals.com for all our information.  You can also call us at (478) 471-1000 (Bibb County) or (478) 224-1040 (Houston County).
 
 
 
How long has Phillips Furniture been in business?  And how long have you been working with the business?
Linda: Phillips Furniture has been in business 26 years.  I have been working here for 21 years.  Like many people in Warner Robins, I was a customer of Phillips Furniture for years.  One day, Mr. Phillips offered me a job.  I was hesitant, but decided to try it out, and the rest is history.
 
What do you enjoy most about your career?
Linda: I enjoy meeting new people and seeing the families grow and the next generations that are shopping with us now.  I also enjoy working for such a generous and kind family – it has been such a blessing to me and my family.
 
From your perspective working for a locally-owned small business, what advice do you have for young-entrepreneurs and start-ups?
Linda: My advice to young entrepreneurs is to be honest, give people a good deal, and treat them how you would like to be treated when you are buying something.  Mr. Phillips always said sell yourself and they will buy what you are selling.
 
If I want to know more, how can I get in touch with you?
Linda: Please come visit me at 1734 Watson Blvd. or call me at
(478) 922-6117.  To learn more about Phillips Furniture, you can visit our website at www.phillipsfurnitureinc.com, or email linda@phillips.mgacoxmail.com.