Meet Eric and Sara Smith | Used Bookstore Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric and Sara Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric and Sara, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.” C.S. Lewis

A friend once gave me a backpack and told me not to let anyone put something into it that didn’t fit my vision, mission or gifting. I still carry that bag around with me. This quote also reminds me to cut my losses when I get off mission. It happens, but I like to think I catch the divergence earlier now than I did in my twenties.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For years I was convinced I was failing to answer the call I felt on my life. I was working at a ministry, serving people, managing employees, working within budgets and then finally managing budgets for others, Problem was, I knew I was supposed to be a pastor. I got a Masters of Divinity, but I wasn’t using it. At least, not the way I thought I should.

Turns out that all that experience came in handy when my wife and I purchased a used Christian bookstore last year in the middle of COVID. I’m now pastoring a church full time, but I’m also managing finances and employees at the store. Nothing is wasted. Your experiences will come in handy in ways you might not expect.

Keep your eyes open and learn anything you can from where you are right now. You never know how those experiences will benefit you in the future.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We love hiking, so we’d definitely recommend Red Rocks, Palmer Park or Garden of the Gods. On the Westside of town, we’d stop and explore downtown Manitou Springs, or drive up to Woodland Park on a beautiful day.

On the Eastside, we’d take a trip to Rizuto’s ice cream parlor, in the summer. Any other time it would be Wayfinder or Dynamo Coffee.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I worked at Summit Ministries in Manitou Springs Colorado for 16 years. During that time I earned a Master’s Degree, and gained valuable leadership experience. I’d like to send a shoutout to Dr. David Noebel for taking a chance on an unknown like me!

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