How to make a hobby work

By Shaun Inguanzo
THEY call him The Hobbyman.
Arthur Scheurer, 65, has succeeded where others have failed by providing a reason for people to shop in Dandenong.
The hobby goods store in McCrae Street began in Dandenong’s Hub Arcade over 12 years ago.
It later moved to McCrae Street to allow for growth and now stocks an almost intimidating range of remote controlled cars, planes and helicopters, through to model ship and train kits, and their relevant supplies.
But it’s not just the stock that makes people flock to The Hobbyman.
The 13 staff members are specialised and passionate, and can provide accurate advice on what product is the best to scratch a hobby itch.
Mr Scheurer’s son-in-law, Davin Jones, helps to manage the shop and has ventured into a new market.
Mr Jones and team last year used remote control cars as javelin transports for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
The rapid and safe method of collecting and delivering the javelins made the event the fastest flowing of its kind in history.
Mr Scheurer said Davin had continued to pursue the venture, even this month providing a similar service at a state level athletics competition.
He said he was “over the moon” with the company’s nomination at the Premier Regional Business Awards after so many years of hard work.
“We are very pleased about it, possibly because we’ve been recognised in the local area,” he said.
“If the locals don’t support you then you’re not in business.”
Although Mr Scheurer has called The Hobbyman work for the past 12 years, there’s no doubting that he has enjoyed every day of it.
“The business is basically a childhood dream that has fulfilled itself quite nicely,” he said.
“I can enjoy my hobby and make living of it.”
Mr Scheurer’s favourite hobby is model trains.
Unlike most people planning their retirement, M r Scheurer’s golden years will be spent further indulging in “work”.
“The mind is very willing (to continue working) but the bones aren’t,” he admitted.
“But I will be continuing to build (a model railway) I have at my place.”