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Gobbler Gear was founded in 2007 to bring unique and quality merchandise to the Hokie family. Gobbler Gear is the first to introduce many items to the Hokie community. They have sold more than 300 Virginia Tech Garden Gnomes, more than 600 garden and house flags, 200 billiard lights, and a total of 232 pieces of fine jewelry. Oh, and let’s not forget all the Game Room Gear, Gameday and Tailgating Gear, and Bedroom Gear. And to think that this business didn’t evolve until June 2007.

VTHokieFans.com sat down with the owner of GobblerGear.com, Dedra Tiedemann-Horn, to learn more about the site.

VTHF: What is GobblerGear.com?

DEDRA: GobblerGear.com is a locally owned and operated business currently specializing in the online sales of licensed Virginia Tech merchandise; one-of-a-kind merchandise and everyday items as well. This site was built by Hokie fans for Hokie fans.

Yes, we are a business, but it is so much more than that. We have built friendships with our fellow Hokie fans, many of whom I personally e-mail and have plans to meet in Blacksburg this football season.

VTHF: What made you decide to start GobblerGear?

DEDRA: Well, there are times in your life when you know it’s time for a change and you just bite the bullet and go with your gut instincts. I can say without hesitation that this had been in my thoughts for at least six years. I was a paralegal/office manager for 13 years. (That probably said it all right there, HA! HA!) Anyway, I wanted more … not monetarily, but in the sense of self accomplishment.

My position was very stressful and repetitive. Not to mention I have two sons, a husband and a dog. Life was taking a toll on me mentally and physically. My husband and I discussed the possibilities but like many of us, giving up a nice income for the unknown was a little scary. Then it was like a light went off; it was time. I gave my notice and began working from home learning everything I could to begin our quest to do something that was new, exciting and for the love of Hokie Nation.

We obtained advice from many but ultimately created Gobbler Gear from the ground up. It has been A LOT of work but we would do every bit of it all over again. We love what we do, sell, and most of all Virginia Tech.

VTHF: Why should Hokie fans choose GobblerGear for their Hokie shopping needs?

DEDRA: First, and most importantly, we try to treat everyone that enters our online door like family. Your not just a customer, you are a HOKIE! In addition, we feel that that that personal touch is missing, not just with online shopping … it’s missing in local store fronts.

Secondly, we carefully decide which products we want to carry; quality products that we are comfortable selling. I can honestly say that we have not received any negative feedback concerning the quality of our products or service.

Lastly, individuals are leery of online shopping. That is why we have chosen to have PayPal as our payment processor. Your personal information is secure and in one place. Less risk for fraud and I personally use PayPal for all my online purchases.

VTHF: Why are the Hokies important to you?

DEDRA: Firstly, in my mind there is not another school in this great country that compares to Virginia Tech. From the lush campus and magnificent architecture, the open peaceful feeling, to the great people in Blacksburg and, last but not least, the WONDERFUL staff at Virginia Tech.

Secondly, my two boys. Our family visits Virginia Tech frequently and have done so for many, many years. When they were small, we would pack a picnic lunch and eat up on campus, throw the football or Frisbee, and walk the campus. As they got a little older we would stop by Sycamore Deli and pick-up some subs and either eat there or take it over to the campus. They have been surrounded by Virginia Tech their whole lives and both see Virginia Tech in their future.

Lastly, we all LOVE sports. ALL Hokie sports. I don’t care what anyone says, our HOKIES have the best fans and community support. It doesn’t get any better than this!

VTHF: What are some of your favorite Hokie football memories?

DEDRA:My most FAVORITE football memory is Nov. 1, 2003. Virginia Tech was ranked 10th in the nation and we played Miami which was ranked #2. As all of us Hokie fans know, we won 31-7. The tailgate was great (haven’t had a bad one), but the after-game tailgate was even better!

The weather was GREAT; the food and beverages were GREAT; we kicked butt and took names which was GREAT; and then after the game, we tailgated again, which was GREAT; and lastly, we had a parking lot of SUPER FANS chanting “ASSSSSS WHOOOOPPPPINNNN.” I don’t think I have ever seen so many happy fans as I did that evening. It was an AWESOME feeling.

VTHF: Thanks, Dedra! Both for taking the time to talk with us and for sponsoring VTHokieFans.com!

More about GobblerGear.com

GobblerGear.com store packs a punch with an awesome selection of Game Room Gear, Jewelry, Tailgate Gear and SOOO much more! Want to see?

How how about those coolers? WOW… Gobbler Gear was chosen by this manufacturer to be the online retailer for their Virginia Tech line. Some may ask, why? Well, it has been proven that this business lives up to their motto of “treating customers like family.” Just check out their “About Us” page.

Bottom line, if you are searching for a great one-of-a-kind Hokie store that offers superb merchandise, affordable prices, excellent customer service and prompt attention to inquiries, you have to put Gobbler Gear on your list.

Just remember…. “Hokie Nation is Just a Click Away!” So visit GobblerGear.com today!

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