Wanda and her late husband , Veldon Morgan , were no strangers to the business world or the ranching world before they opened up shop in Hot Springs 30 years ago . They had been in business in manufacturing , at one time employing 150 people and 17 salesmen , based out of Ellsworth , Nebraska . Their ranching and western roots are apparent , in their selection of quality western gear , boots , and tack . Veldon , a ranch hand and rodeo cowboy in his younger years and an inventor and manufacturer into his later years , was also a skilled saddler , an art he learned from his father , and that was an important part of their numerous businesses . “[ W ] e had a moccasin company , a saddle company , we had a boot company ,” Wanda explained , and their many designs and patents included a lace-up roper style boot and a shedder for currying horses . Their manufacturing endeavors enjoyed remarkable success , and they sold to large retailers , including Cabela ’ s , gaining an excellent reputation nationwide .
“ We came from Ellsworth Nebraska , because [ Governor ] Mickelson wanted us to move part of our business here . That ’ s how we ended up in Hot Springs ,” Wanda continued . And that explains the letter from Governor Mickelson on the wall in the entryway .
In the years since , the Morgans ’ business endeavors continued to evolve and they ultimately sold all of their major manufacturing and wholesale businesses , and focused instead on the retail side of things , maintaining retail relationships with some of the companies they sold to .
“ We ended up sending up the major part to Weaver Leather out of Mount Opal , Ohio ,” Wanda said , and Weaver Leather continues to be a major supplier for Morgan ’ s Tack and Supply .
But selling their manufacturing businesses wasn ’ t the end of the Morgans ’ pursuits .
“ We sold all of our companies and I wasn ’ t ready to quit yet ,” Wanda said , explaining how Wanda ’ s Finds came to be . She transformed the 12,000 square feet that had been manufacturing space for Morgan ’ s Tack and Supply into a treasure trove of a store . Quit she has not . She was already set up with a handful of retail accounts that she continues to sell to this day , and in the years since has added the antiques , local artists , and other “ finds ,” with a warehouse out back to house her wares , including her purchases of “ whole households .” Somehow , Wanda finds the time to sort through her warehouse , deciding what is sellable and keeping her store well-stocked .
Going from managing the payroll and office personnel of a company with 150 employees to being solo was an adjustment , but Wanda has taken the changes in stride .
“ I love it ! I don ’ t have the employees that I have to worry about . No payroll , no W2 forms , none of the office work I was doing before . The main office was here , so I had a lot of gals that worked for me in my office . But I don ’ t have that anymore ; it ’ s just me , and I love it ,” she said . After the death of her husband several years ago was another period of adjustment , at which point she began to manage the tack and supply store in addition to Wanda ’ s Finds .
Jewelry is her hottest item , and Wanda ’ s Finds boasts being one of the biggest dealers of Montana Silversmiths jewelry in the United States , doing both in-store and online sales . A number of prominent cases display the well-known jewelry , with its recognizable western elegance , ranging from evening-appropriate options to daily wear . But turquoise is Wanda ’ s particular love .
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