  | Paid advertisements V.22 No.10 | March 7 - 13, 2013 Annual Report 2013Rumble Seat Music Southwest  Vintage Guitar Store Owners: Hometown: Business Address: 4011 Central Ave. NE Albuquerque NM 87108 505-717-2891 Business Email: Business Website: Number of Employees: What do you offer that the competition doesn't? We have the largest and best selection of vintage instruments in the Southwest, no question. We also now have an in-house professional repair shop. We pay top money for high quality used and vintage instruments. How did you get started in this business? The love of guitars! In what area of your business do you invest the most energy? We put a great deal of our energy into finding the rare and vintage instruments that make up our inventory. What motivates you to succeed besides the desire to make money? Providing the best guitars in the world to the people who want them. How would you define your position within the marketplace or within your market segment? Along with my other stores in Ithaca, NY and Carmel, CA, we try to be the leaders in the market and maintain ratings as one of the top 10 stores in the world. How do you maintain your competitive edge? Passion and love for the instruments as well as passion for the hunt to purchase and sell the absolute best of the best. Why did you choose to do business in Albuquerque? I think Albuquerque is one of the best places to live. It also has a strong music scene, and the Nob Hill area is vibrant and great for shopping, restaurants, etc. What significant changes have you implemented recently? We’ve just taken over the building next door and expanded to display more instruments as well as Route 66 memorabilia and classic motorcycles. What contributions to the community (charitable or otherwise) are you most proud of? We feel that our business is an important part of the community in which it’s located, and we contribute to the general prosperity of the neighborhood. We also take part in several charity organizations. How has the Internet affected your business and how do you think it might affect your business in the future? We started out as a brick-and-mortar store in upstate New York. Until the internet became a force, we conducted all our sales either through phone calls or U.S. mail. The internet opened us up to the worldwide marketplace. What successes in the past year are you most proud of accomplishing? The store. We have been open for just about a year now, and everyone in the area has complimented us for what we do and thanks us for being here. What was your first job? I was a professional musician playing in and around the New York City club circuit. Then I toured and recorded in Europe with various English and American bands. How is operating your own business different than you expected? I never thought I would be working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you had to choose another career or start another business what would it be? We put too much effort into our current business to think about any other career. What words of wisdom would you offer to someone starting their own business? Be prepared for long hours, hard work and disappointments, but never let go of the dream, and stay strong during rough times. What book are you currently reading or what's your favorite book? Keith Richards’ Life contains lots of things I can relate to, and it’s an amazing book for anyone who desires to be a musician. Three passions outside of work? Playing and touring with my band. Also, traveling and enjoying the beauty of New Mexico! Weekly Business Profile | 
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