Jolene Mechanic — 
Phil Mechanic Studios and Flood Gallery Fine Art Center
When Jolene and her husband inherited the Phil Mechanic building from her husband’s late father, they had options. The old, industrial-style, 4-storey brick building sits in the heart of Asheville’s River Arts District. They went back and forth about whether to take advantage of the building’s industrial qualities or become a part of the thriving arts culture around them. In the end they did both.
Interview with Mark Prudowsky of Lightning Bug Electric
conducted by Safi Mahaba (Sharon Martin)
How long have you owned your own business? In one form or another since 1985
Why? After I graduated high school I became a welder, but in the recession of the 80’s it was hard to find work. I wanted to find something recession proof and was guided to become an electrician
1. What was your major in school? Masters degree? What school?
Biology. No masters. University of Texas- Austin
2. How did you decide that you wanted to start your own restaurant? Getting certified?
I worked in the business for others and I felt that I could build a successful business on my own. I wanted to have the responsibility and authority that goes with that.
The restaurant business has always been an easy entry (and easy exit) business. A person can get started on a small capital investment and build a business if they are willing to work hard and can survive the ups and downs. At the time we started there was little in the way of certification and not all that much even now. The “certification” really is the ability to survive until you can grow the business enough to be successful.
