Jay Green knows the pawn industry; he has been in it for more than 25 years.

He’s had a store in Madras, Cash and Release, for 14 years and recently opened a second store in Redmond, Cash and Release 2, at 339 SW Sixth St.

An open market brought him to Redmond in May — Green said the area needed some competition. He had a store in Redmond before, about 20 years ago, and decided to come back after he saw there was only one other pawn shop in Redmond.

“It’s like any new business,” Green said. “You just kind of putt along till people find out you’re here.”

While his inventory is limited, Green said he relies on word of mouth and is confident word will spread about his new location. He said that since he opened, the main portion of his business has been selling guns and small loans on items. Green has a generous 30-day grace period on all of his loans.

“We’ve always had good prices in Madras; that’s why people come to my stores to shop,” Green said.

Cash and Release in Madras has been named the best pawn shop in Madras the past few years, Green said. He attributes that success to how he interacts with his customers — respectful regardless of their situation, he said.

“I like this business; it changes every day,” Green said. “Every customer is different, and every day changes. Like the guy on ‘Pawn Stars’ says, you never know what’s gonna walk through the door, and it’s true you never know. And I’ve seen some crazy things.”

Cash and Release 2, in Redmond, buys and sells goods as well as offers loans on items. Artisanal bead work, handmade in Warm Springs, also is available at the store. Green said he has an even larger selection of bead work at his store in Madras.

“We buy all the time,” Green said. “We try to keep things on the upper end, especially with tools. We don’t want a bunch of junk for people to come look at.”

Green also shoes horses and is active in recreational equestrian activities. His store reflects his interest in some western-themed decorations.

“We probably have the fairest deal in town,” Green said. “You can realize that some of the customers are having a hard time, but we respect our customers no matter their situation. Whether you need a loan of $5 or $500, we treat everyone with the same amount of respect.”

— Reporter, 541-548-2185, cbrown@redmondspokesman.com