For more than 30 years, Paradox Comics-N-Cards called the historic Gardner Building home. During that time, owner Richard Early renewed leases, explored relocation opportunities, and ultimately stayed put because nothing ever felt like the right fit.

When circumstances changed in 2023, Richard began looking more seriously for a new location. The challenge wasn’t simply finding another storefront. It was finding a space that could support the community-centered experience Paradox had built over three decades while remaining financially feasible.

After being introduced through a mutual connection, Richard met Goldmark Commercial broker Andrew Hansen.

Rather than showing him another traditional retail space, Andrew presented an unexpected idea: the former Mexican Village restaurant on Main Avenue.

Richard’s initial reaction?

“I thought, ‘You are crazy. Why would you move a comic book shop into a Mexican restaurant?'”

The building seemed far removed from what anyone would picture for a comic and game store. But Andrew encouraged Richard to keep an open mind.

As they walked through the property, Andrew could see what Richard couldn’t yet imagine. The building offered outstanding visibility, abundant parking, significantly more space, and the opportunity to completely reimagine the customer experience.

Andrew worked closely with both Richard and the property owner, helping bridge the gap between an unconventional building and an unconventional vision.

While Richard initially focused on the increased occupancy costs, Andrew helped him see the long-term business potential.

The former restaurant was transformed into a destination that combined retail shopping with expansive gaming space, placing community interaction at the center of the business.

Instead of separating shopping and gaming, Paradox designed the store so customers naturally experience both.

“Andrew was the first one who had the vision for how this would come to be.”

The move has exceeded every expectation.

In less than two years, Paradox has:

• Nearly tripled sales
• Created a destination where more than 100 gamers fill the space on busy Saturdays
• Gained exceptional visibility along Main Avenue with approximately 22,000 vehicles passing daily
• Added abundant customer parking
• Attracted significantly more families and multi-generational visitors
• Created an experience that feels more like a convention than a traditional retail store

What once felt like an intimidating financial leap became the catalyst for extraordinary growth.

“The impact on us since moving here is beyond any expectations we had.”

Richard credits Andrew’s persistence and vision with helping make the move possible.

There were several moments early in the process when Richard was ready to walk away. Andrew continued to encourage him, confident that the opportunity was larger than anyone initially realized.

One prediction especially stayed with Richard.

“Andrew said to me, within two years, the question won’t be, what’s going to happen? The question will be, what if I hadn’t done this?”

Today, Richard says that the prediction came true.

“He called it exactly.”

Looking back, Richard believes the move changed not only the future of Paradox but also the lives of his employees and customers.

“Between Andrew and the owner of this property, they changed my life. They changed our business.”

Richard’s advice to other business owners is simple: find a broker you trust.