Jim Andrus’ Rimrock store surprises and delights visitors.
Coming from the Interstate 17 off-ramp into Rimrock, it’s difficult not to notice the rustic but inviting sign in the distance that reads Jim’s Trading Post.
Finding a trading post may feel like discovering a relic from days gone by, but once you’ve stepped inside this menagerie of treasures, you understand that it’s less like a trading post of yore and more like a country store on steroids.
Coming from a world of opulence, movie stars and Forbes-listed billionaires, Jim’s Trading Post owner Jim Andrus left a life of managing elite country clubs for the simpler ways of Rim Rock, Arizona.
“I served as the general manager of The Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Corona Del Mar, Martis Camp in Lake Tahoe, and The Golf Club Scottsdale, as well as other properties. It was a stressful life, plus I had the devastating loss of my girlfriend in a Vespa accident,” said Andrus.
Against all his friends’ advice, Andrus turned in his resignation and moved to Arizona. “My parents were living in Cottonwood, so I stayed with them for a while trying to figure out what I was going to do. With the downturn of the economy in 2008 and 2009, I lost my house in San Marcos. I was starting all over at 59 years old.”
In 2014, a friend suggested that Andrus rent a property in Rimrock. “It was Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, when I opened my store. It’s been a great journey ever since and I’m having so much fun.”
“The stress of trying to please people and deal with high-maintenance members is gone. Now, I’m responsible for my world, which is the store. I love the flexibility and the freedom,” he said.
“Different things happen every day and I never know what to expect. The cool thing is I get to meet people from all over the world – Italy, France, Argentina – and it’s so fun to chat with them.”
Jokingly, Kristy Parr, a retired speech pathologist and local resident, says Andrus is the “unofficial mayor of Rimrock.”
“If there’s something happening in Rimrock, Jim is the person who would know,” she said. “Most of the locals wander through there at some point in the day just to catch up or share news. What I love about Jim is that he is so welcoming, charming and such a sweet man. But also, he has a great eye and knows the authenticity of his jewelry, rugs and Western and Native American art. I’ve purchased several pieces of jewelry there.”
Andrus specialized in Native American bracelets, earrings, squash blossoms, rugs and art from the 1960s and 1970s. “We carry a room full of Navajo rugs and feature showcases of vintage silver and turquoise jewelry,” he said. “I prefer to outright purchase everything rather than consign items in the store.”
He calls the front yard of the trading post an introduction to a world of “if you look hard enough, you’ll find something you need.” Just outside the front gate is a horse trough that can double as a planter. Also in the yard, treasure hunters find outdoor art and supplies. Country artifacts, furniture, gadgets, lamps, vases, baskets and so much more adorn the space from the front porch on into the rooms. Andrus also has an international room with goods and chattels from around the world.
“This is a diamond in the rough,” said Mary Fischer, a visitor from Nevada City, California. “Jim is very friendly, and his prices are very fair. I would say this is the best-kept secret in Rimrock. I purchased a gold ring for my granddaughter and some silver Navajo earrings.”
“Jim is honest, thoughtful and respects everyone,” said Bill Hancock, a sales associate at the trading post. “He has a buying talent like no one else I’ve ever known. When I open the store in the mornings, there’s always a crazy surprise. One day I walked in and there was a five-foot Chinese drum. Another time, an 80-year-old fender was in the yard. It’s truly amazing what he buys. and we have repeat customers from all over the country.”
Andrus is married to XiaXia and has two adult children. Currently, he is in the process of building a log cabin on the 13 acres he and his wife own.
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT
I love to visit Catalina Island and go fishing with friends. That is my favorite getaway. I love the remoteness.
WHO I ADMIRE
I admire Billy Graham for his boldness and compassion for people. Our world is so fragmented and divided; I wish he were in the modern world. People believed in his message, and he changed the world.
ADVICE FOR MY YOUNGER SELF
I should have taken the steps to become an entrepreneur earlier in my life. I started this at 59, so if you’re not happy in your job or life, it’s never too late to change. I love what I do now for the first time. I love being an entrepreneur.
MY SUPERPOWER
Being able to turn off the television and not subject myself to the bad news out there. I tell my friends, “If you want to have peace, tune out and get back to the things that give us peace such as raising animals, gardening and pets.” For me it’s just tuning out the craziness of the world and finding peace in an agricultural lifestyle.
LAST TIME I FELT NOSTALGIC
Just the other day when I was filling the cows’ water trough. I remembered when I used to do this with my dad. It made me feel younger. FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN
Jim’s Trading Post is located at 2115 E. Beaver Creek Road in Rimrock. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. For more information, call 928-554-5526.
Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Against his friends’ advice, Jim Andrus quit his job and moved to Arizona, trading his life with the rich and famous for a more peaceful existence.