Brenda Roberts has plenty of time. And it’s all for sale at her downtown retail store, Baker Street Tobacconist, Clocks and Gifts. Roberts bought her business 21 years ago from original owner Mike Hackett, after visiting the shop to buy tobacco for her now ex-husband.

“I loved retail and saw it as the ultimate challenge … a woman in a man’s business,” she said.

“At that time I had never smoked a single ‘anything’ in my life. Now, I love to smoke cigars,” Roberts added.

What three people would you most like to have dinner with?

The Pope. I’m Catholic and I think he’d be quite fascinating to have a discussion with.

My grandparents (Andy and Helen Havrilo). They passed away five and seven years ago.

What job would you like to try/not try?

Try: Architect. Not try: Running a restaurant.

What’s the worst job you ever had?

At 17 I worked the snack bar at Kmart in Wheatridge, Colorado. When I found out their fresh popcorn was two days old, I quit. I worked there for one day.

Who do you most admire in the business world?

Other small business owners, I know how much work and passion it takes to be successful.

(For example) Lori Wear (of Spinelle Fine Jewelers). I think she works hard at it and is constantly trying to up the bar.

If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?

To get rid of excessive state excise taxes. Currently we are at 45.13 percent.

What’s your favorite gift to give?

A clock. Who ever has enough time?

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

I used to be television weather caster at KLOE TV and Radio in Goodland, Kan. from 1980-82.

If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?

On vacation in Cuba.

What’s the most significant project you’ve been involved with in your career?

A mission trip to Cuba with the Episcopal Church. With the help of my Soroptimist Club, I collected bras for the women there. In Cuba bras are one of those things that there’s nothing to chose from. In customs they didn’t quite understand it.

What other business person(s) would you like to see featured in “10 Questions?”

Don and Alice Schueler, owners of Napa Coin Gallery.

More with Brenda Roberts

How is the holiday retail season going?

“I think it feels much better than last year. Last year it was not good,” said Roberts. “This year I beefed up my own advertising. I think the advertising is making a difference. We are hearing that from our customers.”

Roberts also collects watches. “I have about 45,” she said. But, “They’re not all expensive. My husband gets me one every year from Christmas. I have lots of clocks and watches at home.”

Besides working for a TV station in Kansas, Roberts also worked at KVYN/KVON as production director from 1982 to 1983.

What’s your favorite cigar?

“Preembargo Cubans. Those are quite amazing.”

“I smoke a little bit of everything,” she said. “I try the cigars before I bring them into the store.”

What is your favorite charity?

Soroptimist International of Napa — it benefits women and girls locally and internationally.

To suggest a candidate for “10 Questions” e-mail: jhuffman@napanews.com