In our latest installment of Military Spouse Small Business, meet Jim Barner, owner of Docs Shoppe! Jim is a submarine veteran and owned a trophy shop with his wife for over 20 years. Since he has semi-retired, Jim launched Docs Shoppe on Etsy. Learn more about his story and business below:
Name: Jim Barner
Hometown: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Branch of Military: United States Navy, Submarines
Current Location: Vallejo, CA
Q: Tell us about your business.
I own Docs Shoppe, an online Etsy store. I sell military, submarine and family-oriented gifts.
Q: What made you choose this type of business?
I previously owned a trophy/engraving store for over 20 years. Heading into retirement, I was looking to supplement my income.
Q: Any advice for fellow spouse/vets/AD who want to start their own business?
See if you can monetize a passion of yours, there’s something for everyone.
Q: Tell me about your time as a submariner.
I worked as a communications/low voltage technician on the USS Aspro (SSN-648) in the 1980s. I very much enjoyed the submarine life. I honestly wished I would have spent at least another tour in the Navy. There were some great shipmates on that boat and I miss them all. I had good experiences with such a great crew. We loved to hit the beaches when we were in port.
I spent two years in Hawaii, several patrols in the Pacific Ocean, along with a deployment to the North Pole. Then we were sent to Mare Island in Vallejo, CA. This is where I met my wife and I’ve been here since 1987. We have owned a trophy shop for over 20 years and are planning to semi retire some where in the northwestern US.
Q: Where can we support and learn more about your business?
You can visit my shop at www.docsshoppe.etsy.com, follow on Facebook and Instagram.
To discover more military spouse and veteran-owned small businesses, click here. Do you have a business you’d like to have featured? Please email us at thesubmergedlife@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!