There's a new business in Nanuet and a familiar face is behind the counter. 

Local Barry Fixler is teaming up with Gary Corts to open the Hudson Valley Pawnbrokers of Rockland—320 West Route 59. Previously American General Financial Services, this new business opened this past Saturday, but its grand opening is April 1—with giveaways and prizes.

“It was obvious to go into business with (Fixler),” said Corts. “We share the same enthusiasm for helping and giving back to the community.”

“We buy and pawn just about anything,” said Stephen Rinaldo, director of operations. “We offer collateral cash loans to the publics with low interest rates and we have four other locations throughout the New York State.”

This family-owned and -operated business comes with years of experience.

“If you go to any of our stores, you’ll find a family member operating it,” said Corts. “Barry is the godfather to my brother’s children and is like a brother to me.”

Of course, those who know or have heard of Fixler know that his jewelry expertise speaks for itself. Owner of Barry’s Estate Jewelry, Fixler is a Vietnam veteran, author and GIA-certified jeweler who has been in the jewelry business since 1981.

“We’ll do jewelry repairs in the store too,” said Fixler.

“I’ve been in the jewelry business for over 30 years and in the pawn industry for the past five years,” said Rinaldo.

“This is exciting and awesome. It’ll be the first of its kind,” said Fixler. “We want it to be like a museum with sports memorabilia and things people have never seen before.”

Corts gestured to a prized item in the shop: a guitar signed by all members in Kiss and played by Gene Simmons at Madison Square Garden last year. The pawn shop will have electronics, jewelry, music and sports memorabilia and much more.

Their motto is “Buy it, Sell it or Borrow on it, the choice is yours at Hudson Valley Pawnshop.” There is also another Hudson Valley Pawnbrokers opening up soon in Haverstraw.

For more information, contact them at info@hvpawn.com or 845-507-0800