"DUKE " BUSINESSES

by
Maryann Miller

For the man who brought Team Air to Winnsboro, starting another new business was just another adventure. Joe Brunson teamed up with Greg Hollingsworth, Jeff Brunson, and Jason Brunson to start Duke Assessments, which is the parent company for four businesses: Duke Gun & Pawn., Duke Auto Sales, Duke Bail Bonds, and Duke Security Services. (Jeff is Joe's son, and Jason is his grandson.)

When asked why "Duke?" Greg smiled. "For 'The Duke' of course. Joe is a big fan of John Wayne. In fact, we all are."

Duke Assessments' logo is a rendering of the familiar hat Wayne wore in all the western movies, and Greg said that he hopes people make the association. "John Wayne was a stand-up guy and people trusted him."

Greg said that he liked the idea of combining these particular businesses right away. "We were talking about things we could do together," he said. "And I wanted to do something that would work with my past experience in law enforcement."

Pictured on the right are: (L-R) Jason, Brunson, Jeff Brunson, and Greg Hollingsworth. Joe said the business belongs more to them, so he didn't want to be in the picture. "That's just the way he is," Jason said. "He doesn't want to be in the spotlight."

The various businesses are run out of a large building on HWY 11 next to the Winnsboro Gym and Subway. Used cars are parked out front, and the pawn shop, bail bonds, and security are handled inside. The pawnshop just officially opened last Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony, and it already has a nice selection of jewelry and firearms.

As a security measure, everyone who pawn an item is fingerprinted. One customer said that was reassuring. "If I buy something, I want to know that it has not been stolen."

All day on Friday, people could stop by for a complimentary hot dog, served by folks who work at Purley Gates Retreat -- another endeavor of Joe Brunson's.

"This is something from his heart," said LaWanda Smelley, who has been associated with Team Air for about 23 years and serves on the Board. "Its a children's Christian camp, and he has recently expanded it to accommodate corporate retreats."

Purley Gates was started by the Team Family Foundation, and sits on 140 acres just north of Winnsboro. It is available for large and small groups and is a great place for family reunions and other gatherings. There will be an open house on March 6th from 9-11, so folks can see all the camp has to offer.