BEDOIAN’S ORIENTAL RUGS OPENS BEHIND PONY ESPRESSO

By Art Pulis, Sun Business Advocate
Wickenburg Sun, AZ
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July 18 2007

Most people open businesses to make money. Wickenburg businessman
Victor Bedoian opens them as a mission from God, along with a love
for his products and customers.

As an entrepreneur Bedoian has interests in several Wickenburg
ventures including the Pony Espresso, Travel Masters, New Life
Service Company, and now Bedoian’s Oriental Rugs. In all cases he
opened the enterprises to serve the public with a quality product and
service, provide employment for family and friends, and demonstrate
his deep-felt faith that God instructs His people in everyday life
principles, including business.

Bedoian’s love for and knowledge of oriental rugs goes back three
generations when his grandmother wove rugs in an orphanage in Turkey.

She had escaped persecution in her native Armenia and was hidden in
the orphanage which produced rugs as a way to economically survive.

"I have always had a love and respect for fine rugs as I know that
they can often take several people several years to produce," said
Bedoian. "My grandmother wove rugs for each of her children, and they
have been handed down through the families. Ever since realizing my
heritage I have been interested in collecting and trading Orientals
to keep that tradition alive."

Previously Bedoian offered rugs through the Pony Espresso but has
expanded into a small showroom where he can practice the age-old
traditional method of selling rugs as practiced in the old world.

"The modern way is for someone to enter a store and make a quick
purchase," said Bedoian. "The old-world way is for people to come into
a showroom, visit with the trader, share some refreshment, and build a
relationship. As the relationship is built, rugs are shown, the buyer
is educated in the merchandise, and negotiation takes place. When
the sale is complete often a lasting relationship has been made."

Bedoian’s merchandise includes both large and small rugs from many
countries in the Middle East including Iran, Pakistan, India, and
Afghanistan. Some are investment-quality pieces suitable for wall
hanging but most are meant to be enjoyed on the floor as serviceable
works of art for the home or office.

"People often overestimate the cost of quality rugs," continued
Bedoian. "I purchase and import all of my rugs myself allowing me
to buy at lower costs. With the modest overhead here in Wickenburg
I can usually sell a rug at less than half of what one would pay
in a Scottsdale showroom. More importantly the rug will last many
generations and will become a family heirloom."

Bedoian presently has rugs in the shop priced from $50 to $5,000.

Most of his merchandise is in the $200 to $400 range with a typical
8X10 foot wool rug costing in the neighborhood of $1,000 to $1,500.

He handles both antique and new rugs.

Bedoian’s Oriental Rugs is located behind the Pony Espresso on South
Valentine Street. The hours are from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through
Saturday. Other times, Bedoian can be reached on his cell phone
928-231-4785.