Retired Corporate Businessman Hand Pours Candles in Granby

While Janeene Crane handles the "gift items" at Freedom Candle Company in Granby and gives the store the "female touch," her husband, Jerry Crane calls himself a "kept man." 

"Kept in the basement making the candles," he quipped. 

The West Suffield residents, both in their 60s, co-own the local candle company on Salmon Brook Street.

Patch asked Jerry Crane to tell us more about his candle business and here's what he had to say.

Patch: When did your business open? Is it family-run?  

Crane: "The company has been in Granby for over 35 years. Janeene and I bought it about nine  years ago. We were both retired from the corporate world, knew the former owners who were having health problems and were ready to 'call it quits.' Janeene and I are the owners." 

Patch: What services do you offer at your company? 

Crane: "High quality hand poured candles (beats any other brand out there), sterling silver jewelry, home and table accessories and unique and eclectic gift items."

Patch: Why did you decide to open in Granby and what made you interested in your field? 

Crane: "After retirement we really thought we'd end up somewhere in the south. Since our kids and grandkids all live in this area and we still wanted to keep busy we took advantage of the opportunity to buy the business. Granby and surrounding towns have turned out to be a great place to do business. The people are friendly and support local businesses like us."

Patch: Do you have a business mantra you live by? 

Crane: "Treat our customers as friends, keep a neat and well organized store and carry only high quality items."

Patch: Can you tell us about your business background?

Crane: "Janeene is a retired occupational therapist who worked in various school and rehab locations in and around Hartford. She is a graduate of Colorado State University moving to Connecticut some 45 years ago. I am a retiree of Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks. We both are very involved with Citizens Restoring Congamond, a non-profit volunteer group whose mission the protection and betterment of the Congamond Lakes on the border of Suffield, CT and Southwick, MA."

Patch: Finish the sentence. When I'm not working I'm... 

Crane: "Past President of Citizens Restoring Congamond and no act as community outreach coordinator. I'm also an avid record collector always on the lookout to add to my collection. Janeene is a presentation coordinator for Citizens Restoring Congamond and enjoys looking for unique items for the store, exercising, doing crossword puzzles, thinking and planning for additional activities after her second retirement like trips to Europe Alaska and the like."

BUSINESS INFORMATION 
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Address: 569 Salmon Brook St., Granby
Phone: 860-653-3341
Website: www.FreedomCandleCo.com
Email: freedomcandle@cox.net