Music, lessons, repairs, rentals, sales
Lessons: $15/half hour, $25/hour on any instrument or voice
Repairs: we fix what other shops call "unrepairable"; competitive pricesWe carry band and orchestra instruments and guitars
Keywords: trumpet, saxophone, flute, clarinet, trombone, drum, tuba, baritone, accordion, lessons, repairs, music,
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
93 years
What is your primary product or service?
Lessons, repairs, sales, rentals
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I was born into it; my grandfather, Alonzo Leach, former Drake University band director, started the store in 1922
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We try to have American made instruments low cost by getting them used and repairing them. We repair anything, not just what we sell. Our rental payments are applied to the purchase. When you rent, there is no extra charge for any needed repairs. We offer a Saturday morning band for students.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
One. No.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Intersection of Leach and SW 9th in Des Moines. The stop light south of us is at McKinley; the stop light north of us is at Watrous. Wendy's is across the street from us and a tad north. We are 3 miles south of downtown Des Moines, 2 miles north of Army Post Road, which is another 2 miles north of Highway 5, a freeway. Fleur is a mile west of us; the airport is on the other side from us of the intersection of Fleur and McKinley.
What type of payments do you accept?
Card, cash, gold, silver, oil, or candy
Which areas do you service?
We don't travel
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Me
What are your hours of operation?
Monday-Friday 11-6, Saturday 11-4. June & July, closed Mondays
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
To become a better musician, or person, towards which our services played some small part.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
You're kidding me: a business website invites a Bible verse?!!! What IS this organization?! Why hasn't it been sued out of existence? Well, maybe the verse that defines love as caring enough about another to pay the cost of providing their needs, John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, than that he should lay down his life for his friends."
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