Rogers Man Turns to Craftmanship with Arnold?s Concrete Mailboxes

Owner: Arnold Bibiloni
Address: P.O. Box 1166, Rogers 72757
Phone/fax: (479) 246-0002/same
Hours: by appointment
Startup date: April 22
E-mail: [email protected]

Many American industries suffered economic hardships after the terrorist events of September 11, but perhaps none has endured losses as severe as airlines. Aircraft mechanic Arnold Bibiloni was one of the casualties. After 14 years in his career — and two with Ozark Aircraft Systems in Rogers — Bibiloni was laid off.

Rather than leave the state for work, Bibiloni started Arnold’s Concrete Mailboxes.

Constructed according to his own design, Bibiloni’s mailboxes are made of concrete and fiberglass. Shaped like the letter “C”, the 4.5-foot tall piece features a flowerpot. The receivable box perched on top of the “C” is a hand-painted model of a house, complete with a clear plastic door and windows.

Bibiloni charges $250 for a box and installation, and each piece takes five days to make. The job is Bibiloni’s first as an artisan. Since opening the business about a month ago, he has sold two boxes.

He said he might eventually sell the design to a large manufacturer, but for now, he sells them one at a time.