Meet Sid Johnson | Owner Desert Oasis Comics

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sid Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sid, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always worked in the corporate world as a Director of Human Resources. Long Hours (good pay), high stress, no time off and low happiness. Even though I was good at what I did it was mostly unsatisfying with all my hard work going to help others being successful. I took a couple of years off at age 50 and realized I wanted to do something fun and meaningful to me and I’ve always wanted to own a comic books store. So I crunched the numbers – looked for a good location in a less hectic city that still had great weather and next thing you know I was opening up my first business Desert Oasis Comics. Its been a labor of love. I’ve met amazing people and I’ve loved every day. The saying “if you do something you love you never work another day” is true – I love being here and doing this and could not imagine ever going back to the crazy life I had before. I’ve been open for over 12 years and hope to continue at least another 12:)

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a lover of comics myself – I’ve been collecting since I was around 9 years old, and it has been a passion. As such I love the ability to talk with others who have the same passion as I do and though we are of many different ages, professions, walks of life etc. we all have this in common and our love of comics gives us common ground to establish a relationship. With this in mind and my vast knowledge of comics (especially vintage) I can talk the talk. I also love introducing new collectors to comics in general and my experience has been a great help in allowing me to connect emotionally and well as intellectually with most people and share my excitement over the genre of comics. I’ve learned that people from all walks of life share my passion – seems comics have a universal quality that appeals to an extensive variety of individuals. Running business operations for others have given me a unique perspective of people and enhanced my customer service skill complementing my knowledge and love of comics with the ability to share the excitement I feel to others getting them more involved in our shared passion. The thing I want people to know about me is I care, and I hope it shows. I truly want people to have an amazing experience when they visit my store whether they are new customers or current. I want each store visit to be fun and exciting.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The night life, restaurants, and country clubs are what bring this community to life. There is something here for all tastes and during season (which is winter) the weather is unmatched. With so many options/choices of things to do I just know what my friends and family like and I pick the spot that works for them. I like variety and you certainly have it here. And of course, the desert is known for some of the best golfing you will find anywhere.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Family and Friends have always been there for me. Changing from a successful career to opening a Comic Book Store would make most people go “What are you thinking” and while there was some of that mostly everyone who knew me, and my passions were exceedingly supportive. Also, over the years many if not all of my customer base has always been there for me and have become my surrogate family and dear friends. I love that everyone has been supportive and helpful and always there in my corner if I’ve ever had need. Especially those who have worked with me at my store. These individuals have become my family and I love them all very much. This has all made my life fulfilling and happy.

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Image Credits
Sid Johnson