We recently connected with Noreene Parker and have shared our conversation below.
Noreen , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
While working to restore and design, reuse for properties, I was having difficulties finds the authentic pieces needed to do the work correctly. Yet soany properties were needlessly being demolished and these wonderful components discarded. I knew that something must be done, our History,Craftsmanship and quality materials were going to Landfills! That was also against my grain, as we recycle Everything possible, and I always have.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My original profession as a Restoration Architectural Design required original materials for my work. There were few places to find these materials, so many buildings were coming down and these items of wonderful quality were filling the landfills. I made the decision to gather what I could and store them for future use. Eventually, as if owning 1 business wasn’t difficult enough, I decided to start another! So many people contacted me to see if I had what they needed, I began Pinch of the Past in Savannah, a Retail store 30 years ago. My Greensboro, GA, Shop, is a very convenient location to so many cities; and hour from Atlanta, Augusta, Greenville, and Columbia. And minutes from Athens, I-20, I-85, Madison, Macon, etc. I have always been a problem solver, saw beauty in found objects, and very detail oriented. I grew up with family that were Craftsmen. My love of History and Architecture combined into a profession where I have been able to educate, evaluate, save, and reuse so many pieces of History that would have otherwise been destroyed ; I am extremely proud of being a pioneer in this field. Many people now see Architectural Antiques, Salvage, and Restoration for the recycling of Historic Artifacts and History that was lost in the U S after the War Boomtimes of the 20th Century; and the Quality of Materials that are not replaceable from todays materials. I listen carefully to my clients, consult with them honestly on what is appropriate to their structure and for reuse, help them to create a living space for their lifestyle that coordinates with the integrity of the structure. I have done most of my work around the South Eastern US, I select the work where I believe I can best be of assistance working with clients that intend to do quality work. My crews remove Salvage, we purchase Salvage, and do in house Restoration work on Lighting, Hardware, and Architectural Components for clients, as well as, work in our Retail Store.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My Design firm did large commercial restoration and rehab/reuse work. I had not long completed my work for the CNN and Cable Atlanta buildings; and was about to head to the Grand Opening of my latest project (2 and 1\2 years), the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel and Convention Complex. But heading home from the Hilton Head, S C Office coming into Savannah, I was hit by a car at 55 mph, directly in the drivers door of my vehicle. I was in serious condition, with internal injuries, concussion, and multiple broken bones, and a fractured spine. Needless to say, it was a life altering change and wake up call. After multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and many months of rehabilitation I was back up and running. I soon realized that racing from state to state, and being a road warier was no longer in my direction of interest. Within months, I had sold my Design firm; and began to concentrate all my efforts on assembling a skilled and knowledgeable team of Restoration people and enlarge my Retail Space and locations for Pinch of the Past. I have thoroughly enjoyed this decision, the people, and my work; I haven’t looked back and find new challenges and opportunities every week.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had been taught that good work and dedication to your profession would be fairly recognized and would speak for itself. I learned quickly and early on, when my work was credited to another person in the firm who spoke up more loudly and forcefully, that that was NOT the case. I was a recent graduate and not very outspoken. So my attempts to gain recognition for my work and ingenuity and correct this issue were ignored by the principles of the firm. They seemed genuinely surprised when I gave them my resignation and my reason. I had to learn that I must diligently to protect my ideas, expertise, and information; as well as; promote and express my own talents and accomplishments. I genuinely hope that my work does speak and is recognized. But I have learned that without strong promotion, I certainly can not count on it! And without good protection, others have tried to capitalize on what is not theirs.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pinchofthepast.com
- Instagram: pinchofthepast
- Facebook: Pinch of the Past
- Linkedin: [email protected]