16
SOUTHERN SENIOR MAGAZINE
| Winter 2016
ccording to the Small Business Administra-
tion, more than five million Americans age
55 and older run their own businesses or are
otherwise self-employed. Americans aged 55-
64 represent the second-largest market seg-
ment involved in entrepreneurial activity, just behind 35-44
year olds. Drawing on their vast knowledge, business expe-
rience, skill-sets and passions, seniors are finding they like
being their own bosses. Some Seniors are continuing to run
businesses they started years ago, while others are taking on
business ownership as a new adventure in lieu of retirement.
In Picayune, you can find several Senior Citizens who fit
into both categories. In July
1974, Roland Klienfield opened
a tool supply store in downtown
Picayune at 105 South Curran.
Over the years, the name has
changed to Picayune Industrial
Tool and Supplies, but the work
ethic remains the same. Klien-
field, who is 81 years old, says
that running a business has
been great for him in his Senior
years because it keeps him busy,
keeps his mind alert and, as
long as he doesn’t get over
stressed, keeps him in good
health. When asked if he has
considered retiring, Klienfield
said “I will probably die on the
shop floor.” Roland isn’t the
only Klienfield in business, his
wife, Norma has been running
Crystal Gallery around the cor-
ner from Roland’s shop for the
past 30 years.
Another Senior business owner has proven that some peo-
ple just are not meant to retire. In 1988, after working 30
years for NASA, Bill Edwards retired. That same year, Ed-
wards was given the task of selling some antique items from
his parents. He rented a small place, thinking he would sell
the items in 60-90 days and be done. However, this small
task grew and now, 27 years later, he and his wife Evelyn are
proud owners of Glass Porch Gallery and Gifts, located at
129 West Canal.
Edwards has phased out antiques and has moved on to
medium priced furniture, but still gets called “The Antique
Man”. When asked what he liked most about owning a
business in Picayune, Edwards
said, “you get to meet a lot of
interesting people, interface
with them and please them.”
Edwards went on to explain
that he personally goes to cus-
tomers’ homes when he can to
help with the deliveries and to
ensure customer satisfaction.
Bill said that his wife, Evelyn,
does 90% of the work at Glass
Porch and is usually there every
day, but due to a recent hip in-
jury, she has been unable to
work, so he has stepped in and
took her spot.
Roland and Norma Klien-
field and Bill and Evelyn Ed-
wards are just a few examples of
Senior Citizens who do not be-
lieve in the word retirement and
love to continue to serve the
people of Picayune and Pearl
River County.
A
By Dusty Dearman
WRJW News Director
Retirement isn’t for everyone:
Being a Senior Citizen
Business Owner
Bill Edwards
Roland Klienfield
