Bill Ballou owns The Solid Rock in Kearney, Neb., with his wife, Ila. In 2012, CBA presented the store with the community outreach award for efforts that included supporting relief projects in Haiti and raising funds to enable a disabled teen to attend college.

How long in Christian retail: Since 1974, I owned a store. I was also in retailing with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and with Word of Life.

How you first came to Christian retail: In the year I came to know the Lord, 1963, that fall I went to Bible school and took a job with BGEA working in their book department, mainly in mail order and retail, in Minneapolis.

First job of any kind and your age then: Besides working on a farm, I worked in a grocery store in Rapid City, S.D., sacking groceries, then I was head of the candy department.

Describe yourself in three words: Fun-loving, encouraging, networker.

Favorite hobby: I am a professional yo-yoer, and I enjoy woodworking and flower gardening. 

Favorite place: I am so adaptable, so it’s really where I am at the present time. I’ve had many wonderful experiences traveling.

Favorite verse: Several in Galatians 5 reminding us of our freedom in Christ. Verse 1 says in part, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”

Pet peeve in retail: Somebody who doesn’t stand behind their products.

Mission in life: I want to be a positive example of a Christian and not to bring a reproach to Christ and the gospel by what I say or do.

Mentor or role model: Randy Alcorn, for a positive stand on Christian issues, and Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity, for his humanitarian efforts. In general, people who have a positive influence.

Share a recent idea or event that has worked in your store: One idea that worked was offering to be the source for patriotic fan banners for the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Lincoln Highway that was held in Kearney, Neb., from June 28 through July 3. I was on the planning committee and suggested the banners to dress up the main street for this historic event, one that USA Today put in their top five for the summer as a “event to see.” We sold about $2,000 worth of goods (150 banners approximately) while offering fellow merchants the quantity discount that the manufacturer offered. We gained a good sale and good will with our business associates—many of whom are seldom in our store.

How about one that hasn’t worked? One thing that didn’t work was a coupon offer in two neighboring newspapers offering gas money of $5 for a $15 sale and $10 for a $50 sale. Christian bookstores in the two areas had closed within the last two years and we want to try to bring people in—at least for the “first time.” Once they visit our store we feel they will come back. We had three $5 and two $10 redeemed. We are going to try another approach with the same intent. It may have just been bad timing as we felt it was a fair coupon offer. 

Which soon-to-come product are you most excited about? I am excited about the plethora of new study Bibles the suppliers are offering with some exciting features. Several would tie for my top appeal. Also, Barbour has a new author, Lance Easley, who wrote Making the Call. In our football-crazed world, this might generate some sales.

How can our readers pray for you? That I would be a mentor. My wife, Ila, and I want to represent Christ daily with our employees, customers, community and family, to be a positive influence for Christ in all areas.

Store website: www.hisrock.com.

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