Music Retail Podcast
by Donovan Bankhead
A podcast dedicated to instrumental music retailers, featuring interviews with the best retailers in our industry, as well as other leaders.Hosted by Donovan Bankhead, President at Ernie Williamson Music - a NAMM Top 100 Full-Line Instrumental Music Retail Business.
Episodes
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Navigating the Changing Landscape of Music Retail: My Candid Chat with Dave Simon
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...
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From Small Space to Big Player: The Journey of Dave’s Guitar Shop
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...
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Band Instrument Repair in High Schools: A New Approach to Career and Tech Education
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,...
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The Future of Instrument Repair - Opportunities and Challenges with Bill Mathews, Executive Director of NAPBIRT
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...
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Navigating Growth and Culture: John Tarpley on Leading a Multi-Location Music Retailer
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...
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Overcoming Challenges and Empowering Teams: The Bandwagon Music Journey with Jennifer and Linden Lantz
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...
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Using Automation & Building your Industry Friends Groups - with EJ Dombrowski (Jim's Music)
Summary Donovan 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…
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Navigating Change: Insights on Hiring, Diversity, and Marketing in the Music Industry with Michael Santander
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…
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Building a Business that Lasts! Hickey's Music -130 Years and Counting, with Dave Zimet
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.
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Remembering Sammy Ash - Sam Ash Music. What is it like to be the largest family owned music chain?
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…
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Remembering Lori Supinie - Senseney Music, Wichita, KS
Resharing this interview with Lori, with some brief thoughts from me in the intro.
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Just What the Dr. Ordered: Effective Marketing Tips for the Holidays and During a Recession - with Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doctor.
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.
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Lee Coats - owner of Springfield Music, Inc from 1986-2020. Growing to Transition.
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...
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Mark Hebert: Cosmo Music - Ontario, Canada & The Musical Instrument Superstore!
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
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Crystal Morris (CEO of Gator) on Getting Women in Leadership, Building a Business, and Outsourcing.
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...
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Chris Trombley - John Keal Music. Just EMBRACE It!
Chris shares how he went from a substitute teacher needing a job to the owner of John Keal Music.
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Wanna Know How to Build Your Business to Last 100+ Years? Nick & CJ Averwater (Amro Music) Share!
What does it take for a business to thrive for a century? Listen and find out!
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Beth Houlihan - Kidder Music (Peoria, IL). The 2nd Generation Family Music Store.
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.
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Lesson Studio Update: Mason Music, Resonate Music School, San Diego Music Studios
How has the pandemic affected music studios - specifically those businesses that are primarily focused on teaching? What are their thoughts on the future?
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Lee Anderton - Anderton’s Music, How They Became a Youtube Super Star!
Anderton’s history is like many in our industry - but how did they rise up to become one of the MI retail giants?
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Retail from the other side of the counter - Jon Kluiter shares observations from the rep’s view.
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!
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MI SalesTrak is one of the best, easiest, quickest things you can do. And it’s FREE!
Jim Hirschberg explains what MI SalesTrak does, how it works, what benefits you get from participating in the program, and how to get started.
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Mike & Miriam Risko - Risko Music. You need to improve your virtual lessons - this episode will help
Have a retail question? Want a free coaching session? Go to http://www.musicretailconsulting.com/
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I Want to Hear from You!
Voice Messages Hey 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...
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Whitney Brown Grisaffi - Ted Brown Music. Adapt to thrive in an everchanging marketplace!
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!
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Cris Behrens - Summerhays Music Center. Listen and learn to the best marketing promotion ever!
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!
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Jen Tabor, owner of Souldier Straps, talks about starting a company from scratch, and more!
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!
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Guest Host Robert Christie (A&G Central Music) Interviews Me (Donovan Bankhead, Springfield Music!)
Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about me (and then some) in this very special episode.
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Zach Phillips - NAMM’s PD Director, tells you what to expect for the upcoming Believe in Music Week!
In addition to Believe in Music Week, we also talk the highs and lows of our industry, life lessons learned thus far, and more!
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Larry Noto - Music Land (Bel Air, MD) NAMM Best Store Turn Around Winner 2016!
A second generation business is always a challenge - even more so when the first generation was a local LEGEND that ran the entire business from his head!
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Laura Penrose - the New Owner of Nick Rail Music! Being a new retail owner, and sexism in MI?
Today’s conversation was really interesting. Laura purchased Nick Rail Music in the fall of 2019, right before the global pandemic. We discuss how things are going, her background, and we had a really interesting and honest conversation about sexism in MI - you’ll definitely want to tune in!
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What is Clienteling and why is it the most important thing you could be doing for your store?
Maureen Doron, from women’s fashion retailer Skirt, shares with us what is clienteling and how it can dramatically grow your revenues. THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE INTERVIEWS - IT’S A MUST LISTEN!
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Jeff Bertrand - Bertrand’s Music, San Diego, California - Growing your biz amongst tough competition
Bertrand’s Music - an eight-location school music dealer based in San Diego, has grown their business despite a lot of tough competion. In this episode, Jeff shares lessons learned, leadership advice, and so much more.
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Joel Menchey - Menchey Music. Growing your business through more locations & affiliate stores...
Joel found himself in a difficult position - how do you continue to grow your regional music business when there is lots of competition? Joel also shares his thoughts on whether it’s better to buy our build, his thoughts on the best Point of Sale & E-commerce for School Music Dealers, thoughts...
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Third Rock Music Center - Cincinnati, OH. When life gives you lemons, you open a NAMM Top 100 store!
When the music store that Greg was working for decided to get out of combo, he and his wife, Angela, decided to go their own way and open their own guitar shop! Since that fateful day, Third Rock Music Center has been a NAMM Top 100 Dealer, a nominee for Best Merchandising and Store Design, and...
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Leslie Faltin - Instrumental Music Center - Tucson, AZ. A great chat with the cool mom of MI!
Leslie and I talk about how IMC came to be, the difficulties she has with dealing with all of the COVID stuff, the difficulties of starting a store from scratch, and so much more! Also, now available with video on YouTube! Want help with your business? Find Articles, Resources, and...
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Tim Pratt - President of Dietze Music in Nebraska. How to pay off debt and keep growing!
So, what’s it like for someone with only a high school education (and a guitar player, no less) to take over one of the top music retail businesses in Nebraska? What lessons did he learn along the way to pay off millions in debt and keep growing? Take a listen to find out! Now also available on...
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Chuck Surack - Sweetwater. How does one build a business that lasts - all starting from home!
Sweetwater is on track to soon be a billion dollar business - one with almost no debt, a terrific reputation in the industry and with customers. How did Chuck do it? And how is he managing his business during the COVID pandemic of 2020? Plus, like a good box of Raisin Bran, there are TWO SCOOPS…
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What do you do when your business is shut down by a global pandemic? Featuring Rand & Cindy Cook
Candyman Strings & Things was one of the first business in our industry forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. How did this NAMM Dealer of the Year award winner handle this crisis? Want help with your business? Find Articles, Resources, and Coaching/Consulting services at...
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Palmer Music. Life of a new(er) music retailer, dealing with the Corona virus, fast track to success
I’m publishing this episode early due to the conversation about the Corona virus. While we share our thoughts about the hysteria behind the virus, this is not intended to downplay it’s importance, rather we are sharing our desire for people to remain calm and take reasonable precautions. I wanted...
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Gerson Rosenbloom - How did one of the industry’s top stores close? MUST LISTEN!
This episode is one of the most insightful and thought provoking episodes yet! Listen up! Want help with your business? Find Articles, Resources, and Coaching/Consulting services at http://www.musicretailconsulting.com
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Robin Jean & Kimberly Deverell - San Diego Music Studio. Get ready to laugh and learn!
Want to hear of a crazy way to do group lessons? How about how to recruit for new employees? Want to hear embarrassing stories about me? Then stay tuned! Want help with your business? Find Articles, Resources, and Coaching/Consulting services at http://www.musicretailconsulting.com
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Jonathan Shue - Dusty Strings. Group lessons, store culture, and more!
Why would you put an $8,000 guitar in a beginner's hands? What's the advantage of group lessons over private? When's the right time to close a lesson sale? Listen and learn! Hosted by Donovan Bankhead, President at Springfield Music, Inc - a NAMM Top 100 Full-Line Instrumental Music Retail...
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Frank Pampenella - PM Music Center. A former upstart becomes a major player in Chicago!
From humble beginnings to a major player in the school music scene in Chicago, Frank Pampenella has guided PM Music Center to annual growth year after year. Hosted by Donovan Bankhead, President at Springfield Music, Inc - a NAMM Top 100 Full-Line Instrumental Music Retail Business. Want help…
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Gabriel O’Brien - the Retail Rebel! This is an MBA in Retail Marketing. You’re Welcome. :)
This episode we discuss leadership, what to do when you've hit the ceiling, how to get the most out of your video content, and so much more. If you'd like video or marketing help, reach out to gabe at [email protected] or visit his website Upperhandstudios.com. Hosted by Donovan...
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Pete Sides - Robert M. Sides Family Music Center. This episode is an MBA for School Dealers.
Topics include:Family business succession, college education for retail store owners, rental growth through aquisition and how to keep those new customers, finding road reps, the RTO changes in the 90s, the value of value brands, long range planning, and how to make the most of your NAMM show....
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Michael Cathrea - Resonate Music - How to build a thriving music lessons program.
In this conversation with Michael we discuss how to build a thriving lesson program that surpasses the competition. Hosted by Donovan Bankhead, President at Springfield Music, Inc - a NAMM Top 100 Full-Line Instrumental Music Retail Business. Want help with your business? Find Articles…
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Will Mason - Mason Music. Simple Ways to Motivate and Empower Your Team
Do you ever feel as if there’s a bottleneck at your store? Your staff is constantly coming to you with questions, complaints and concerns, and you start to develop “decision fatigue.” (It’s a real thing—look it up.) This is one of the biggest reasons businesses fail to grow. Don’t be the lid on...
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Cindy & Rand Cook, Candyman Strings & Things, Sante Fe, NM. NAMM Dealer of the Year!
Yet ANOTHER interview from a NAMM Top 100 Dealer of the Year! Cindy and Rand Cook share their thoughts, insights, and the challenges they see in our industry and in running their business as it celebrates it’s 50th Anniversary. Hosted by Donovan Bankhead, President at Springfield Music, Inc - a...
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Lauren Haas Amanfoh - Royalton Music Center.
Lauren has a great story - she’s a busy wife and mom, NAMM board member, and, of course, music store owner. Her full line music store is beautiful, and she has built a terrific business. Hosted by Donovan Bankhead, President at Springfield Music, Inc - a NAMM Top 100 Full-Line Instrumental Music...
About this show
A podcast dedicated to instrumental music retailers, featuring interviews with the best retailers in our industry, as well as other leaders.Hosted by Donovan Bankhead, President at Ernie Williamson Music - a NAMM Top 100 Full-Line Instrumental Music Retail Business.
Hosted by
Donovan Bankhead
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