It all started back in March of 2001.  I (Jimmy Fleming) was working for Tyson Foods as Environmental Manager at the Creswell Office and had been employed with the company for 22 years.  Tyson decides to sell the business and I decide to move on to something different.  I had always wanted to work for myself and I thought this was a good opportunity.  I already owned a 2000 square foot garage/building setting on a 1/2 acre lot on the northern border of the town of Columbia.  I decided to take my severance package and unemployment to create a new livlihood for my family.  Over the next several months, I remodeled the garage into a convenience store: adding two handicap accessible restrooms, a front porch, a store front facade, and counters.  My wife (Barbara) and I also purchased tables, chairs, coolers, ovens, walk in cooler, shelving, and everything else needed to become a convenience store, restaurant, and deli.  I took time out to visit operations similar to what I wanted to create in nearby towns such as Edenton, Elizabeth City, and Plymouth.  Along about November 2001, I hired Sykes and Company Accounting firm in Edenton to teach me what I needed to know about accounting, payroll, taxes, and how to use Quickbooks.  I next worked with Sysco Food Service to set up a menu and a list of supplies needed to operate a deli.  By early December, all the other vendors were onboard and the store was ready.  On Saturday, December 15, 2001, Flemz Market & Deli made it's grand opening with no fan fare.  I opened the door at 6:00 am, turned on the open sign, and hung a banner on the front porch that read NOW OPEN.  I hired my two children, Ty and Codi, to work with me and Barbara helped when she could.  From that humble beginning, Flemz has grown to a staff of 5 full time employees, 2 part time employees, and myself.  People have been wonderful,  I would like to take this time to thank everyone who has taken the time to stop by Flemz and give us a try and especially those who have returned as repeat customers over the years.