4 S P R I N G 2 0 2 3 Chuck McNett, owner of The Old Grainery, began buying and reselling items from estate auctions in 2000. Having worked on his father-in-law’s farm through college, he had a solid background in the farm primitives being sold. When McNett listed some of the unique pieces on eBay, he was surprised by the level of interest shown by people around the world. Those old items led to a new business. He initially worked out of an unused grainery building on his father-in-law’s farm, which inspired him to name the business The Old Grainery. After years of growth, the operation had to move to a larger location, but the name had stuck. The Old Grainery now operates from a 13,000-square-foot warehouse at 6411 Ehrhardt Road in Payson, Illinois. Growing and Evolving McNett said, “I employ about 10 people on a regular basis, with additional people rotating in and out depending on what’s needed at various times. The ever-evolving nature of The Old Grainery and the role it plays in the larger market demands a fluid response in the number, skills, and type of employees required.” Although The Old Grainery still markets farm primitives, antique furniture, and more from local auctions, it also imports containers of items from other countries. They include: • Antique elaborate doors from a French colony in Egypt • Breadboards, carboys, and Oktoberfest tables and benches from Germany • Hand-carved wooden chests and reverse-glass religious paintings from Hungary • Traditional and contemporary chinoiserie from China • Rustic architectural window frames, metal art, and décor from Mexico What are some of the most unique items ever sold by The Old Grainery? McNett replied, “We’ve sold prosthetic limbs, antique cars, embalming equipment from funeral homes, and used antique coffins.” The Old Grainery also has an Amish partner who supplies wood products for flooring and accent walls as well as custom-built offerings such as doors, tables, benches, stools, shelving, and bookcases. Adams Fiber Internet is Essential Over 80% of the inventory is listed for sale online and can be found at www.theoldgrainery.com as well as eBay, Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook. Twice a year, The Old Grainery sets up a tent at the Round Top Antiques Show in Round Top, Texas. Modern technology is required to sell antique items The Old Grainery BUSINESS spotlight
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