Doug Bragg has a laugh with Chamber leaders Nancy Lichty and Michelle Dooley during the interview.
This year Doug Bragg was selected by the voters of Antwerp as the Gem of the Year! Most people who live in Paulding County probably know Doug or at least knows of his businesses. He was selected because of how much he has put into the community — creating jobs, and services.
Doug graduated from Antwerp High School in 1985. For nearly 43 years he has lived in Antwerp. His parents, Cliff and Linda, moved to Paulding County when Doug was in kindergarten. This is his home! Doug is married to Lisa who works at Vera Bradley as an Assistant Executive. They have three children: Alecia, Bob, and Nick.
Doug is quite the entrepreneur, with his father, they took over the Oasis Bar and Grill in 1988 and he purchased it in 2009 from his dad. Along with running one of Antwerp’s finest diners, Doug also owns many rental houses and the trailer housing on East River St. One of his “hobbies” is buying old houses, fixing them up, and reselling them.
Several years ago, Antwerp lost one of it’s most treasured businesses, Kammeyer’s IGA had been serving the Antwerp and surrounding communities for many years and then it shuttered its doors when Bob Kammeyer could not find a buyer as he was ready to retire.
People in the village searched for a proprietor who might be able to lead the business to success again, but most importantly have their classic grocery store open. Many communities, after losing their grocery store, school or post office, seem to become ghost towns. Doug recalled the many phone calls and emails he received when the store was closed, asking what he could do. What would you do? In small town communities, the questions can be daunting to find the kind of leadership necessary.
Doug took on the challenge and the store opened as River Street Market in its same location. The people were hired back and jobs were restored. The entire store was remodeled with new lighting, new terminals, and lots of new options! He kept the high quality meat department, selling organic Angus beef along with a large variety of other meats.
What does communities like Antwerp need? What is a five year goal? Doug had this say on the subject, “We need good jobs with stable incomes!” The town lost a lot when Dana left and, unfortunately, it hasn’t replaced the large employer.
Doug continued, “When we have jobs, the community grows, and the people and businesses grow.”
Overall Doug employs around 35 people in the area. His community support is unwavering. One thing we all can say is “Shopping locally supports your neighbors and community.”
Doug, your support is a great example for other entrepreneurs in community mindedness. There is good reason for you being selected as Antwerp’s “Gem of the Year!”
