Family members still run Paramus, N.J.-based Ski Barn chain.

Publication: The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey) (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News)

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COPYRIGHT 2004 The Record

Byline: Joan Verdon

Nov. 14--If Dick and Carol Fallon had a better experience while shopping for skis 33 years ago, the Ski Barn stores would never have been born.

Back in 1971, the Fallons were shopping for skis for their five teenagers, all avid skiers. "It was to be a big Christmas present," Carol recalled. "They were all going to get their own equipment. We had borrowed and rented for years."

They made the rounds of ski shops and sporting goods stores near their Ringwood home. At one store they were ignored, at another they were told, "There are the skis, they've all got prices on them," and the Fallons were abandoned with their questions unanswered.

The Fallons had no retail experience -- Dick had a construction and attic-fan business, and Carol was a former nurse with no skiing experience other than sending the kids on school ski trips....

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