Pottery World Cafe

1974, Roseville California: Jim Rodda and Greg Modesti set up a shop at Denio's Auction and began selling pots for $3, $6, and $10. That first weekend they sold $1,000 worth of pots, and Jim has been selling pots ever since. Jim bought out his partner’s interest in 1976, and the business has been constantly growing. He opened the first retail outlet on Auburn Boulevard selling salt and pepper shakers, dinner ware, and a lot of cookie jars.Jim's hard work is the main reason for Pottery World's success. For over seven years he worked seven days a week. He would start Tuesday and drive an old pie wagon to Los Angeles . Wednesday he would pick up a new load of pots and drive back on Thursday. He would unload at Denio’s on Friday. Saturday and Sunday he would sell, and Monday was for doing the books. Just as it was then, there is a lot of physical labor involved, and Jim is up to the task.As times have changed, so has Pottery World. As cookie jars started to recede, macramé took its place. We sold it for over 10 years, teaching the art to countless women in the Sacramento area. As the craft section of the business faded away, we went into floral arrangements, vases, and accessories. The focus of outdoor items shifted intofountains and statuary. The one thing that hasn't changed in all those years is our selling pots. The styles have changed, but the appetite for pottery has remained constant. We now import pottery from seven different countries.In 2000, Jim opened up a second retail location in Rocklin. It features a stunning 30,000 square foot indoor showroom with outdoor display area and more than 200 fountains on three acres. Pottery World has grown to employ over 70 skilled people, and has branched out to offer thousands of unique items.Over the years, Jim has had a tremendous amount of help from his employees. While too numerous to mention all our great employees, Sarah Sicotte stands out as an extraordinary person. She has been with Jim for over 20 years, and beyond managing the interior store, has been Jim’s right hand in almost all phases of Pottery World's growth. Her husband, Ray, has also been a valuable resource over the years and manages outside sales. His son, Bill Rodda and daughter, Ann Garrett have also been key contributors and continue to help Jim make his business thrive.