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Agents of Change: Ian Philips of What's On 2nd? rekindles nostalgia and preserves Birmingham history (Edward Bowser)"We serve a niche," said Ian Philips of What's on 2nd?. "It s not just retail. It s curiosity, fascination and nostalgia." (photo by Edward Bowser | al.com)Yesterday I stopped by What s on 2nd? to ogle old action figures and video games but it was piece of vintage journalism that captivated me. I ve got something cool to show you, said Ian Philips, one of the partners of the venerable downtown antique shop. Philips ducked behind the counter and produced dozens of copies of Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, a news magazine founded in the mid-1800s. Hand-drawn images depicting what would eventually be the Washington Monument blew me away.Philips acquired these pieces of Americana just a day before my visit. It s always funny what comes through the door, he said.Three years ago, when Philips himself walked through that door, he wasn t just realizing a dream of becoming a small business owner. He would soon be helping to preserve Birmingham s rich history.Back in 2007, Philips was on track to pursue a degree in counseling psychology. To help make ends meet, he began selling his vintage video game collection for extra cash. What started as a hobby suddenly began to look like a career.His path soon crossed with Steve Gilmer and Michele Wilson, co-owners of What s On 2nd? who welcomed his enthusiasm. Last year, Philips was made a partner at the shop and he officially dropped out of his master s program. I m not the same person I was when I started that path, he said. This is what I had to do. What Philips now does is bring a youthful energy to the quirky establishment. In Steve s words, if it s tacky, tasteless or irreverent, we like it, he said. We re reinventing the antique store. I agree. A more fitting term would be nostalgia shop. Philips corner of the shop is pure bliss for an 80s baby like me, a guy who grew up in the days where you had to turn your television to Channel 4 to play video games. Action figures are stacked to the ceiling while old game cartridges sit in bins at your feet. During my most recent visit, a customer brought in a two-foot tall Superman toy and picked up a Ninja Turtle figure for himself. And a few weeks prior, I stumbled upon a copy of the classic Super Nintendo game Chrono Trigger.Trust me, it s the crystal football of video-gamedom.Those finds are a warm reminder of the carefree days of childhood. Philips lives to invoke those feelings in customers. We serve a niche, he said. It s not just retail. It s curiosity, fascination and nostalgia. The quirky offerings at What s On 2nd? certainly extend beyond Hot Wheels and He-Man. Artifacts of Birmingham s rich history are housed within its walls. Philips proudly showed off huge, weathered train depot signs for Bessemer and Tarrant. They re likely headed to the Birmingham History Center.Some offerings were a bit tougher to handle. He also introduced me to Guitar Man, a bizarre guitar fashioned in the shape of an African-American that was used in minstrel shows. According to Philips, when you play the instrument, its eyes roll around. It's a relic from a dark past.History isn t always pretty but it deserves to be preserved. There are stories to be told and lessons to be learned. They are a reminder of the rocky road we traveled and a testament to our perseverance.Transitioning from psychology to antiquing definitely was a risk for Philips, but risk-taking is part of any venture, he said. And it should be part of the fun too. A history buff and pop culture fanatic couldn t ask for more. Philips is having the time of his life.Edward T. Bowser is a community engagement specialist for AL.com and The Birmingham News. He's always eager for conversation. If you know of an outstanding young professional who is bringing change to Birmingham, reach him on Twitter, visit hisor email.