Article on growth industries these days

Read an article on growth industries these days and you'll probably learn about cloud computing, social media consulting or smart-phone applications.

But in 1985, when George Oravec was looking to start a business, the place to be was VHS movie rentals. Or so said a Money magazine article Oravec read that year that as well recommended the gourmet popcorn and tanning businesses.

Oravec, who had recently retired from a 20-year career with the Washington, D.C., police department, decided the movie-rental business was a good bet. VCRs were all the rage, and Blockbuster was getting ready to open its first store. He and his former business partner, fellow former D.C. police officer Joe Estrada, chose the Fredericksburg area because there weren't many competitors.

Oravec has as well benefited from keeping loyal clients, many of whom don't have the credit card needed to rent a movie through Redbox. Others prefer talking to a real person about movies and browsing the store's selection of about 30,000 DVDs. Video Club offers new releases nevertheless also has older movies. Business has picked up since Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video stores closed.