‘Make it a Grand Week’- Olivia Lobertini with The Grand on Central

Flea marketing affords freedom and friendship for veteran flea marketer Roy Beeler

La Follette Mayor Cliff Jennings proclaimed Friday Roy Beeler Day as Beeler and wife Kathy hear proclamation read.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – A $50 day at the Tazewell flea market in 1975 made quite the impression on a young Roy Beeler. “Boy, $50 in those days was a lot of money,” said Beeler with child-like excitement. Mad magazines, Hot Wheels and coat hangers served as that day’s inventory. Who knew working flea markets would become Beeler’s career?

Beeler graduated from LMU in 1989 with a 3.95 GPA and turned down career offers from the Social Security Administration and the F.D.IC. “I liked it so well, flea marketing, I just put my business administration degree to work toward it. I love the freedom of being out with people and greeting people,” said Beeler who has been full-time at his career since age 22.

Come August 5, he’ll turn 57 and calls what he’s done all these years “a hard way in one way.” Beeler keeps all his records and says his management skills learned in college come in handy.

Roy and Kathy Beeler under the big red tent.

“He’s a pretty nice fella, and I’ve bought from him. I call him a traveling hardware store,” said Johnny Morris, in his second season as the flea market coordinator. Roy generally takes five spaces, those over there, as he points across from the concession stand, according to Morris.

Someone told Beeler about La Follette’s Flea Market, and his dad, who got him started, came out here one day. “It was 1989, and we got here about 11am, and we were not impressed. However, I came back and have been to La Follette more than any other location, because it became my favorite. I’ve made so many friends here, and the people are so friendly, welcoming and down to earth,” said Beeler.

Left to right: Wayne Kitts, L.J. Seibers, Rick Edwards, Johnny Byrge, Roy Beeler, Kathy Beeler, Cliff Jennings, Johnny Morris and Mike Webb.

“We have a lot of wonderful people and vendors who really make this flea market the success it is. Roy is one of our most dependable vendors and has been for many years, and we certainly appreciate his dedication to the flea market,” said Johnny Byrge. Byrge is the long time Parks & Recreation Director, and the flea market came under that department’s umbrella several years ago.

Beeler, a Halls High grad, who still lives in Halls, rises at 3am on Thursdays and Fridays, and he and his wife leave the house by 4am headed to La Follette. When Beeler has a full load of inventory, it takes up to three hours to set up. “I don’t know why, but Thursday is always my best day,” said Beeler.

“Roy’s always so consistent. He’s so good with everyone working with the public,” said regular Mike Webb, a veteran.

Though the flea market is not open year round, Beeler is there every week. “There are many days when it’s just me. I’ve been there when it’s been snowing. I’ve seen trees blown over, even the porta potty,” said Beeler.

“I don’t know a lot of last names. Everyone generally goes by their first name. I wanna give a shout out to Wendell and Mike (Webb),” said Beeler.

Beeler’s inventory consists mainly of hardware items like saw blades, drill bits and jig saw blades his best sellers. “They save a little money, and I make a little money. I custom make chain saw chains,” said Beeler.

Left to right are Johnny Morris, Johnny Byrge, Roy and Kathy Beeler and Cliff Jennings.

Friday morning, Mayor Cliff Jennings proclaimed the day “Roy Beeler Day in La Follette.” “I couldn’t believe it. They made me feel so special by honoring me for my 35 years of coming here. There are not many honors in this business,” said Beeler.

Look for Roy Thursday and Friday, rain or shine, at the La Follette Flea Market, behind the police station on East Beech Street. He’ll be there to greet you like as welcoming as he did on his very first flea market venture almost 50 years ago.

A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.

Below, take a visit through The Grand on Central.

For bookings, email Olivia Lobertini ohlobertini03@gmail.com. Check on avails HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/03/2024-6AM-PAID AD