About Pottery World
HISTORY OF POTTERY WORLD
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 in Auburn Boulevard selling salt and pepper shakers, dinnerware, 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 was 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 locals 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 into fountains 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 featured a stunning 30,000 square foot indoor showroom with outdoor display area and more than 200 fountains on three acres. In 2008, Jim opened up Pottery World in El Dorado hills. Another beautiful store to stroll the grounds and shop for unique pieces. Pottery World has grown to employ over 80 skilled people, and has branched out to offer thousands of unique items. The newest addition is the Pottery World Café. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, the Cafe is known for quality options, daily specials, and of course a beautiful setting at the Rocklin location.
Over the years, Jim has had a tremendous amount of help from his employees. While too numerous to mention all of our great employees, his son, Bill Rodda and daughter, Ann Garrett along with son-in-law Justin Garrett have been key contributors and continue to help the family business thrive. Stop by the Café to try our fresh cuisine and meet Jim’s lovely wife Sharon who is known for always greeting guests while adding to the family feel of Pottery World.
The Pottery World family would like to thank all of our customers and friends that have shopped with us for the last 47 years. With this continued support, we will strive to find new, unique items for your home.