Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Dream Wizards opened in 1978. Owned and operated by community residents and gaming enthusiasts. 2018 is our 40th year.
What is your primary product or service?
You’ll find a rich mix of games and gaming communities at Dream Wizards. We sell and host card, miniature, and board-based games. Product lines and event schedule are on view in the store, as well as on line at www.dreamwizards.com
Dream Wizards is a meeting place where you can learn or play a game, enter a tournament, join a league, and engage with people who share interests. Newcomers to games, casual players, serious competitors will all find opportunities that fit their style.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
During 40 years of operation we’ve seen the invention of many successful games and a renaissance of creativity and community building through the experience of playing games. I view Dream Wizards as a privately operated, public community-building space. Our team of employees, game organizers and judges provide opportunities in which everyone can enjoy a game and ensure fair play, with friends and new acquaintances alike. Our community tends to be generous with their knowledge.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Dream Wizards definitely makes a positive difference in many peoples lives. Several generations of customers, all types of people from many walks of life continue to return and visit Dream Wizards whenever they can. Customers tell stories about experiences and friendships that developed, in part because they spent time in the store. This is a place, aside from work/school and home, where people feel comfortable.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
One location.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Pease enter the address into a mapping program to aide you in finding our location (11772 Parklawn Drive Rockville MD 20852). Notes: Dream Wizards is on the street side (not in the back). There's plenty of free parking all around the developement - in front, in back, take anything that's not in front of another store! If you ride Metro: "White Flint"metro stop is approximately one mile from the store. Feel free to call during store hours: 301-881-3530.
What type of payments do you accept?
Credit, Debit, Cash.
Which areas do you service?
The store is located in Rockville, not far from White Flint. It's easy to access by car, Metro, or bus. Customers visit from around the beltway, and as far as Baltimore. We often have visitors whose home are far away; they visit Dream Wizards in combination with a trip to visit friends or family who live in the area.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Dream Wizards is owned by Laurel Chiat, a long-time resident of Rockville. All employees enjoy playing and are knowledgeable about games. And everybody associated with running the store is adept at partnering with others to host gaming opportunities.
What are your hours of operation?
Tues/Sat: 11am-8pm.
Wed/Thur/Fri: 11am-10pm; Sun: 11am-6pm
We are closed most Mondays, with the exception of several National Holidays like President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day. We are definitely close on New Years Day, Independence Day, Christmas and Easter.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
There are many things you can say that will make a difference. Constructive feedback and ideas. Tell us a great story about your experience(s) at Dream Wizards! We want to know that you are enjoying yourself. And, please let us know if there's a problem. "Thank you"is always appreciated.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
If not now, when?