Episode Summary David Bozich and Michelle Ventura talk with Taylor Harnois about the challenges of running a music store in a small town. They discuss how going online has enabled them to find audiences outside of the market and better serve local musicians. They...
In our interview series, we have conversations with music retail shop owners and other industry experts from across the country about the challenges they face and what solutions they’ve found to achieve success. Walk away with new ideas you can implement to help run your business.
Genevieve Swift, Lashof Violins – Providing A Personalized Experience
Episode Summary Taylor Harnois and Genevieve Swift of Lashof Violins talk about the history and tradition of running a violin shop with decades of presence in Maryland. Genevieve tells the story of how she and her business partner met and decided to pursue the...
Migrating Your Data with Music Shop 360
Episode Summary In this episode Taylor Harnois talks with Music Shop 360’s data migration experts Neils and Jesse. They talk through common migration concerns for shop owners and how they address data when converting to a new point-of-sale software. They talk about...
Casey Green, Guitarma – Creating A Welcoming Atmosphere
Episode Summary Casey Green and Taylor Harnois talk about the joy of operating a music shop focused on delivering excellent used gear to musicians. They discuss the importance of focusing your shop’s product mix and looking for ways to differentiate your business....
David Lardizabal, Davids’ Broken Note – A Passion For Repair
Episode Summary Taylor and David talk about how David got into the instrument repair business. They discuss how always increasing your expertise allows you to create opportunities for growth. David talks about how improvements in running a business and instrument...
John and David Connors, Connors Music – Modernizing A Music Store
Episode Summary Eric Thornton talks with John and David Connors to discuss how they transformed a successful family owned music store into a thriving online music business. The Connors share their experience of discovering that they need to provide an eCommerce...
Nate Corning, Mark’s Guitar Shop – Thriving During a Pandemic
Episode Summary Nate Corning discusses the rewards and challenges of running Mark’s Guitar Shop in Spokane, Washington. The shop focuses on service and sales of new and used equipment and the strategies and tools they use to accomplish their goals. Although Nate...
Miles Stewart, Musician Supply – Never Leave Customers Disappointed
Episode Summary Miles Stewart of Musician Supply discusses the music store business in South Carolina. Miles focuses on meeting the customer where they want to be. He talks about creating in-store and online experiences that meet customers unique needs and not leaving...
Max Larson, Centre Music House – Using Software To Save Time
Episode Summary Max Larson of Centre Music House discusses how his family built a business based on private lessons. Max has spent the last decade modernizing and automating the business to enable staff to focus on what they do best and enable technology to solve some...
Will Roffers, Owner of Northland Music Center – Instrument Rental Strategy
Episode Summary Will Roffers of Northland Music Center discusses with host Eric Thornton of Rain Retail Software how Will built a successful music store in Northern Wisconsin. They talk about how Will grew what he describes as a music closet into a thriving...