SHARE

Fairfield Man Gives Customers Their Money's Worth

Anthony Holdampf spent the first 10 years after college helping people get physically fit. Now, he's changed careers and helps their fiscal fitness instead.

After owning a gym in Westport for a decade, Holdampf, a father of three from Fairfield, was approached by a high school friend about going into the precious metals business. They started Greenwich Gold Buyers Inc., appraising and buying jewelry and other items, setting up in a different location every weekend.

"We didn't think there was enough gold and silver to stay in the same place, week after week," Holdampf said. But after a while, he changed strategy and decided to stay put for a bit. "It was a lot of work getting permits in a different town each week."

Settling on Greenwich, they started in the Hyatt there every other weekend, soon expanded to every week, and they're still there four years later. "We've been very successful," said Holdampf. "It's a beautiful hotel that caters to Greenwich and Stamford, and people feel comfortable and safe there." They also draw customers from Westchester.

About a year and a half ago they expanded to the Trumbull Marriott, and while they occasionally venture out to other locations, Greenwich and Trumbull serve as the business' anchors. "We can service everyone from the Valley to the state line," said Holdampf. Each location is open Thursday to Monday from 10 to 6.

Holdampf prides himself on being fair and expedient. "The average transaction takes about five or 10 minutes," he said. "Someone can come in on their lunch hour. We treat every customer the same," he continued, noting that they've written checks for $2 up to $30,000. "There's no sale too small or too big."

When someone comes in, their items are separated by carat in the case of gold, weighed, and a price is quoted. "They can sell us the whole lot, or decide to keep individual pieces," said Holdampf. "There's no pressure." Quotes are based on the spot market price for that day.

Holdampf said his reputation and longevity speak for themselves. "In order to be in Greenwich for five years we had to build a reputation," he said "People are smart, they know what their gold and silver is worth."

to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE