A Man Who Knows Business


 

WINSTED - Glen Barber has been a business man in Winsted for many years. At various times he has owned a gas station and a newsstand, but he alway found a way to explore two hobbies he is passionate about - taxidermy and bait and tackle.

Barber was born and raised in Winsted. Attending local schools, he graduated from Gilbert in the early 1980s.

After graduating, Barber worked in a variety of jobs, from bartending to floor refinishing. At one time he owned three gas stations, in Winsted, Torrington and Collinsville.

The station in Winsted had several name changes, but the most memorable was Barber A-1.

While at the station, Barber sold bait and tackle. Many times customers would come in looking for a local taxidermist. Having had a bad experience himself with a taxidermist and a passion for the trade, Barber decided to go to school and learn about the business.

"I shot a squirrel when I was 17 and sent it to a taxidermist. I'm 44 now and never got it back," said Barber. "It was as big as a cat. I thought, there's got to be a better way for me to do this."

Deciding to go to school for taxidermy, Barber left the gas station in the hands of his brother, Darin, for two years before closing for good.

For a short time, Barber worked in the taxidermy business with a shop behind the former Sunchief building, but ultimately decided to join forces with his brother once again and purchase the Winsted News store on Main Street.

After four years of working with his brother, and again selling bait and tackle in the store, Glen decided it was time, once and for all, to open his own taxidermy and bait and tackle business.

Barber has been in business as a full-time taxidermist for over four years. Located at 416 Main St., Outdoor Artistry Taxidermy and Bait (a name change may soon take place) provides taxidermy services to a wide variety of customers.

"I have fish all over the place in different museums all over the world," said Barber.

A big customer that Barber has taken on recently is Cabella's. Cabella's purchased several of his skunks.

Local hunters and fisherman also provide Barber with a steady stream of business as one sporting season comes to an end and the next begins.

Barber said his job is a dream come true. For most taxidermists, the trade is a hobby to be enjoyed, but Barber gets to enjoy that work fulltime. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and seeking out "trophies" of his own.

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