DEL.ICIO.USWHAT EVER HAPPENED TO ... CHUCK WOLF / Wolf Camera founder
Ex-camera seller has focus on marketing
Bankruptcy of former rival no joy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Monday, March 23, 2009
You could call it déjà vu.
That’s what Chuck Wolf, founder and former chief executive of Wolf Camera, felt when his cousin’s camera and photo finishing chain Ritz Camera recently filed for bankruptcy.
Joey Ivansco/jivansco@ajc.com
Chuck Wolf (right) and Jerry Carbone have founded a marketing firm called ‘Wolfbone.’
“It brought back memories for me. I have first-hand knowledge of what he’s going through,” said Wolf, 66, whose company had to file for bankruptcy in 2001.
At the time, his cousin David Ritz bought the Wolf chain, adding it to a large portfolio of stores nationwide. But in February, the Ritz chain filed for bankruptcy, citing a weakened retail environment.
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” added Wolf. “I was in business for 30 years or so, and we made those people a lot of money and paid our bills on time,” he said. (“Those people” refers to camera suppliers like Nikon and Canon.)
At one time, the two cousins were very competitive in business, said Wolf, though they never avoided family dinners due to the rivalry. It was hard on Wolf when he had to file for bankruptcy. But when Ritz filed for bankruptcy, Wolf e-mailed his cousin an expression of support.
“The retail climate is so tough right now so I’m not surprised,” said Wolf. “I wish him all the best. I think he’s going to do all right.”
As for Wolf, he couldn’t stay away from marketing — or retail.
After appearing in countless commercials pitching Wolf camera, he started a marketing firm, Wolfbone Marketing, tailored for retail clients.
He is CEO, and Jerry Carbone, 48, former ad director of Home Depot Expo, Sports Authority and Wolf Camera, is president. They have six employees and offices in The Pinnacle building in Buckhead.
Clients include Kauffman Tire, Furniture Xpress (founded by Ben Haverty) and PGA Tour Superstores.
Given Wolf’s background, “our understanding of how to talk to CEOs really helps,” Carbone said.
“We partner with CEOs and consult with them,” said Wolf. “Right now we’re helping look for real estate for Kauffman. We also walk the aisles and discuss displays. We really roll our sleeves up.”
Wolf added, “I have never left the hunger for retailing.” To that end, he and his wife, Missi Wolf, had a kids clothing store called Mad Bug Clothing Co. They operated it for about five years before closing it to spend their time doing something else, he said.
The couple recently invested in a new exercise concept called Blast900, which promises to burn 900 calories in a single hour.
They are backing personal trainer Steve Uria on that venture and have plans for four more Atlanta locations.
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