People of Troy

Interview with Jamie Magur, Owner of Troy Grooming Co. & Downtown Troy Business Improvement District Board President.

What does success look like for you here?

"Success for me is being part of creating something bigger than myself— a vibrant city with community-based businesses, plenty of jobs, economic development, and strong neighborhood connections."

Is there a place downtown that holds a personal memory for you?

" Fulton Street is where I grew up. My grandmother had a restaurant where Shalimar is now— it was called Connie’s Coffee Break, and it was there for 35 years. I remember when the downtown atrium had stores in it, and there were shops all along Fulton Street and the surrounding areas. Back then, if I washed dishes, I’d get $5 and go spend it however I wanted. There was a real sense of activity and opportunity."

What part of Troy mirrors a part of you?

"The area between Jacob and Hutton Street. It’s my neighborhood, and it’s a mix of all different walks of life. You’ve got working-class families, people in need, a church community, and residents who’ve been there longer than I’ve been alive. Then you also have transplants— people moving in from other cities and states because Troy is becoming a cool place to be. It’s diverse, and that’s what makes it special. But we’re not where I want us to be yet— I want to see it step up. I’m someone with many layers, and I’m definitely a work in progress."