Since 1956, Brandt’s Books has stood as a Sarasota landmark—a place where stories, ideas, and neighbors converge. In this episode of Stir, Aginto’s Chris Williams sits down with owner Barbara Barone to uncover how listening to readers, embracing trial and error, and prioritizing community have kept this independent bookstore thriving for over six decades.
Growing Up Between the Stacks
Barbara’s story begins in World War II–era barracks repurposed as the original Brandt’s Books location. As a child, she swept floors for 25 cents an hour (though she preferred reading in the corner). When founder Mr. Brandt passed away, her mother purchased the store—and after her mother’s passing nearly 20 years ago, Barbara took the helm. “I grew up in the store,” she says simply, crediting a lifetime of immersion in literature for her passion and purpose.
Listening to Customers Above All
Barbara devoured every title in the business-and-motivation section before realizing real-world success demands more than theory. “Customers tell me what they need,” she explains. By curating inventory around local interests—be it gardening guides or regional history—she transformed guesswork into targeted selections. “I’ve made big mistakes,” Barbara admits, “but those mistakes lead to brilliant ideas.”
Crafting a Safe, Welcoming Space
In an age of digital convenience, Barbara champions the irreplaceable magic of a physical bookstore. “It’s a safe place,” she says, recalling a tattooed customer engrossed in conversation with a little old lady—two strangers united by a shared love of a book. With soft music and comforting candles, Brandt’s offers a sanctuary from the “crazy world” just beyond its doors.
Balancing Motherhood and Management
Running a family business as a single mom meant late-night inventory sessions and early mornings on the sales floor. Yet Barbara embraced the flexibility it afforded. “I got to spend more time with my kids,” she reflects. Whether at soccer games or school concerts, her children grew up among the stacks—an intentional choice that blended motherhood with entrepreneurship.
The Power of Community Connection
More than a retail outlet, Brandt’s serves as a community hub. Barbara partners with local schools for author visits, hosts book clubs that spark cross-generational dialogue, and mentors aspiring booksellers who dream of carrying on the tradition. “For over 64 years, customers have chosen this store,” she notes with gratitude. “I want them to feel important—because they are the reason we’re still here.”
Looking Ahead
As Brandt’s Books enters its seventh decade, Barbara remains committed to evolution: refining her selection through direct feedback, experimenting with events that bring people together, and preserving the store’s role as a literary oasis. “In business, you can’t say, ‘This is how I’m going to do it forever,’” she warns. “You must watch, listen, and adapt.”
<iframe width=”100%” height=”200″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/9KED4ZHhEg4?si=ZZ3Q6dJ-vhEQNxQg” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
Since 1956, Brandt’s Books has stood as a Sarasota landmark—a place where stories, ideas, and neighbors converge. In this episode of Stir, Aginto’s Chris Williams sits down with owner Barbara Barone to uncover how listening to readers, embracing trial and error, and prioritizing community have kept this independent bookstore thriving for over six decades.
Growing Up Between the Stacks
Barbara’s story begins in World War II–era barracks repurposed as the original Brandt’s Books location. As a child, she swept floors for 25 cents an hour (though she preferred reading in the corner). When founder Mr. Brandt passed away, her mother purchased the store—and after her mother’s passing nearly 20 years ago, Barbara took the helm. “I grew up in the store,” she says simply, crediting a lifetime of immersion in literature for her passion and purpose.
Listening to Customers Above All
Barbara devoured every title in the business-and-motivation section before realizing real-world success demands more than theory. “Customers tell me what they need,” she explains. By curating inventory around local interests—be it gardening guides or regional history—she transformed guesswork into targeted selections. “I’ve made big mistakes,” Barbara admits, “but those mistakes lead to brilliant ideas.”
Crafting a Safe, Welcoming Space
In an age of digital convenience, Barbara champions the irreplaceable magic of a physical bookstore. “It’s a safe place,” she says, recalling a tattooed customer engrossed in conversation with a little old lady—two strangers united by a shared love of a book. With soft music and comforting candles, Brandt’s offers a sanctuary from the “crazy world” just beyond its doors.
Balancing Motherhood and Management
Running a family business as a single mom meant late-night inventory sessions and early mornings on the sales floor. Yet Barbara embraced the flexibility it afforded. “I got to spend more time with my kids,” she reflects. Whether at soccer games or school concerts, her children grew up among the stacks—an intentional choice that blended motherhood with entrepreneurship.
The Power of Community Connection
More than a retail outlet, Brandt’s serves as a community hub. Barbara partners with local schools for author visits, hosts book clubs that spark cross-generational dialogue, and mentors aspiring booksellers who dream of carrying on the tradition. “For over 64 years, customers have chosen this store,” she notes with gratitude. “I want them to feel important—because they are the reason we’re still here.”
Looking Ahead
As Brandt’s Books enters its seventh decade, Barbara remains committed to evolution: refining her selection through direct feedback, experimenting with events that bring people together, and preserving the store’s role as a literary oasis. “In business, you can’t say, ‘This is how I’m going to do it forever,’” she warns. “You must watch, listen, and adapt.”
← More Stir Episodes
