In this special episode, I was interviewed by Dave Simon from Ensemble Performing Arts, and I couldn’t be more excited to share our conversation with you. We dive into the rich history of Ernie Williamson Music—from its humble beginnings in 1935 in Pittsburg, KS, to its evolution into a multi-location powerhouse serving generations of musicians. Da…

In this conversation, Dave Rogers shares the journey of establishing and growing Dave's Guitar Shop, from its humble beginnings in a small space to becoming a significant player in the guitar retail market. He discusses the evolution of the business, the impact of the internet on sales, and the challenges faced over the years. Dave emphasizes the i…

This conversation explores the innovative approach to teaching high school students about band instrument repair, initiated by Aaron Moss in response to the retirement of a local music store. The discussion covers the development of a curriculum, student engagement, funding through CTE programs, and the importance of balancing educational initiativ…

In this conversation, Donovan Bankhead and Bill Matthews discuss the current state of the instrument repair industry, focusing on the growing demand for repair technicians, particularly among younger generations. They explore the appeal of instrument repair as a career, the challenges faced by technicians, and the importance of fair compensation an…

In this episode of the Music Retail Podcast, Donovan Bankhead interviews John Tarpley from Tarpley Music. They discuss the history and founding of Tarpley Music, which dates back to the 1920s. They also talk about the challenges and benefits of having multiple locations, as Tarpley Music has nine locations. They touch on the importance of culture b…

Summary In this episode of the Music Retail Podcast, Donovan Bankhead interviews Jennifer and Linden Lantz, the owners of Bandwagon Music and Repair in Nashville, Tennessee. The Lantz's background is in music education, with Lyndon specializing in instrument repair. They started Bandwagon as a small repair shop and gradually expanded to include ret…

SummaryDonovan Bankhead and E.J. Dombrowski discuss their friendship and the impact of reaching out to each other. They talk about the challenges of running a music store, being resourceful, and staying competitive in the industry. They also touch on the importance of automation and delegation in order to focus on innovation and growth. The convers…

Donovan Bankhead interviews Michael Santander, General Manager of Instrumental Music Center, about his journey in the music retail industry and the importance of hiring the right people. They discuss the shift in employee mindset from wanting to be part of a 'family' to valuing a team environment. They also emphasize the need for businesses to prio…

Hickey's Music is a 130+ year old business in Ithaca, NY. Dave has owned in since the 1990s, and shares the lessons he's learned along the way.

What a treat it was to get to talk with Sammy Ash about Sam Ash Music, his thoughts on the other national competitor, how he feels about vendors selling direct (here’s looking at you, Fender), and much more! Hosted by Donovan Bankhead, President at Springfield Music, Inc - a NAMM Top 100 Full-Line Instrumental Music Retail Business. Want help with …

Resharing this interview with Lori, with some brief thoughts from me in the intro.

What's the point of doing marketing that checks a box if it doesn't move the needle?Bob gives us excellent, expert advice on how to connect to our customers.

This was recorded off the cuff using my cell phone, so please excuse the poor audio quality. But I think you'll hear the love, respect, and gratitude we have for one another in this episode. This is a bit of a trip down memory lane for Springfield Music, but for those interested in our history or growth, or those who are considering an ownership tr…

Cosmo Music has blown my mind ever since I first heard of them at the NAMM Top 100 Awards! One of the largest interactive music stores in the world - there is lots to learn from this episode. The history of Cosmo Music Pictures of the store

I know I got LOTS of useful things from this conversation that I needed to hear NOW, and I’m sure you will too. Learn how to be proactive in getting women in leadership roles in your organization, design products and programs to meet your customers desires, building culture, growth through acquisition, making key hires, how to do all the marketing …

In this episode we sat down with the great Squiggy DiGiacomo of The Music Experience. Squiggy is always a ton of fun, we discuss what he has been been up to and what is on the horizon. Check out http://themusicexperience.com/ for more info. The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, LLC - providing solutions for the musical instrument communi…

In this episode we sat down with Tony Graham and Andrew Swift of EMD Music to talk what they have been up to. For more info on EMD visit: https://www.emdmusic.com/ The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, LLC - providing solutions for the musical instrument community by being a reliable source for diverse music products. If you need invento…

In this episode we sat down with industry legend Jack Schwarz. Jack is a wealth of knowledge and his energy and passion are inspiring. We talk everything from his time with Fender to what he is up to now with Fano Guitars. Check out what Jack and his team are up to here: https://www.fanoguitars.com/ The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, …

In this episode we sat down with Brian Berk, editor in chief of The Music & Sound Retailers. We always enjoying seeing Brian and having the chance to sit down and talk. Check out https://msretailer.com/ for more from Brian and his team. The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, LLC - providing solutions for the musical instrument community b…

In this episode we sat down with Evan Vallis of LPD Music International. Evan and his team at LPD are a full-line musical instrument, accessories, and pro audio equipment distributor based out of Michigan. Check out https://www.lpdmusic.com/ for more info! The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, LLC - providing solutions for the musical in…

In this episode we sat down with Ted Burger, President of Hanser Music Group. Ted and his team are doing some really great work, check out https://hansermusicgroup.com/ for more info on what they are up to. The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, LLC - providing solutions for the musical instrument community by being a reliable source for …

In this episode we sat down with Allen McBroom, owner of Backstage Music in Starkville, MS. Allen is an industry vet and stays connected to the industry via the iMSO and as a columnist for The Music & Sound Retailers magazine. The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, LLC - providing solutions for the musical instrument community by being a …

In this episode we sat down with Gamal Nagi of Grover Tuners/Trophy Music Products. We had a great time talking tuners and more! Check out https://grotro.com/ for more info. The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, LLC - providing solutions for the musical instrument community by being a reliable source for diverse music products. If you ne…

James Tsaptsinos, VP of Global Sales for KMC Music sat down with us at our booth during the 2021 Summer NAMM show. We talk about everything from what is going on at KMC to James' own podcast. We had a great time talking with him! Check out https://kmcmusic.com/ for more info on KMC. The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, LLC - providing s…

In this episode we sat down with Glen McCarthy, Executive Director of Teaching Guitar Workshops and board member of GAMA (Guitar & Accessories Manufacturers Association). Glen is a wealth of knowledge and his passion for music education is as inspiring as it is important. Check out https://www.discoverguitar.com/ for more info on GAMA Check out htt…

In this episode we sat down with Mark Anzelc, Sales Engagement Manager at Reverb.com from our booth at the summer NAMM show. It's always good to see Mark, he has great insight into how to maximize your potential on Reverb. The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, LLC - providing solutions for the musical instrument community by being a reli…

In this episode we sat down with Adam Levin of Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center from our booth at the summer NAMM show. Visit https://chucklevins.com/ for more info on Adam's store.

In this episode we sat down with Trevor Fedele, director of MXL Microphones. We had a great conversation with Trevor about all things MXL and much more! Find out more about MXL: https://mxlmics.com/ The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, LLC - providing solutions for the musical instrument community by being a reliable source for diverse …

In this episode we sat down with Kevin Johnson, owner of 3 Music-Go-Round locations. Kevin dives into his history of over 25 years in music retail as well as some of his strategies for buying and selling music products. View Kevin's stores here: Music Go Round Columbus - https://www.musicgoround.com/locations/columbus-oh Music Go Round Ann Arbor - …

Chris shares how he went from a substitute teacher needing a job to the owner of John Keal Music.

What does it take for a business to thrive for a century? Listen and find out!

Beth shares the history of Kidder Music, how it was founded by her parents, and her experience growing up and taking over the day to day.

In this episode we sat down with Jeff Moore, Senior Vice President of ESP Guitars. Jeff is a great guy with a long history in the industry. We discuss all things ESP/LTD as well as Takamine, and much more. Check out https://www.espguitars.com/ for more info on what Jeff and his team are up to! The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, LLC - …

How has the pandemic affected music studios - specifically those businesses that are primarily focused on teaching? What are their thoughts on the future?

Anderton’s history is like many in our industry - but how did they rise up to become one of the MI retail giants?

In this episode we traveled to the Gibson Garage in downtown Nashville to talk with Director of Brand Experience for Gibson, Mark Agnesi! View Gibson TV here: https://www.youtube.com/user/GibsonGuitarCorp The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, LLC - providing solutions for the musical instrument community by being a reliable source for di…

Jon is not only an MI industry rep, he also represents products in the powersports industry as well. And, fun fact, he used to own the store that I purchased in KC!

In this episode we sat down with Charlton Moore of Tonal Music Inc. - home of well known brands Franklin Strap and The Glider Capo. Nathan and Charlton talk about what new products Tonal Music is working on as well as supply chain, advertising moving forward, and much more! Check out https://www.tonalmusicinc.com/ for more info. The Music Retail Sh…

Jim Hirschberg explains what MI SalesTrak does, how it works, what benefits you get from participating in the program, and how to get started.

Have a retail question? Want a free coaching session? Go to http://www.musicretailconsulting.com/

Voice MessagesHey Friends! I want to hear from you! If you have thoughts on today’s episodes, have a suggestion for a future guest, or just have something you want to ask or share, look in the show notes of your podcasting app and click the link to send in a voice message. I’d love to hear from YOU!

In this episode we sat down with John Priest, Managing Director (CEO) of Peach Guitars. John and the rest of his team have built an amazing music store and online presence. We discuss how they have handled the challenges of COVID-19, Brexit, and much more. Check out their website: https://www.peachguitars.com/ Peach's Youtube: https://www.youtube.c…

Whitney gives us a quick history of Ted Brown Music and how she came to be President, and then we have some fascinating conversations about adaption, adoption, and more!

Cris shares not only his best marketing promotion, but also talks about what it’s like working in a family business when the patriarch and CEO passes, plus some GREAT ideas on staff development that you can put in to place today!

In this episode, we sat down with Mike McAfee, Buyer and Sales Manager of Maxwell's House of Music! Mike has spent more than 30 years in the retail music and it shows. His enthusiastic approach to retail is not only fun, but informative and conveyable. Check out Maxwell's website here: https://www.maxwellshouseofmusic.com/ Maxwell's Instagram: http…

How did one of my favorite strap companies get started? What bit of happenstance changed Jen’s life and the life of her employees? Why did she go work for Gator cases, and is she glad to be back at the helm of Souldier? Listen to find out!

Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about me (and then some) in this very special episode.

In this episode we sat down with Aljon Go, Product Manger at Gibson Brands to discuss all things Gibson Brands. We touch on what's going on with Epiphone and Kramer to Aljon's thoughts on the industry as whole and what's next. The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, LLC - providing solutions for the musical instrument community by being a …

In addition to Believe in Music Week, we also talk the highs and lows of our industry, life lessons learned thus far, and more!

In this episode we sat down with Jeremy Hildebrandt, owner of Rayhill Audio. We discuss how Jeremy got his start selling guitars online, how he's built it into a successful online business, and some tips and tricks he's learned along the way. Check out https://rayhillaudio.com/ The Music Retail Show is brought to you by MIRC, LLC - providing soluti…