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 retail and rentals. They faced challenges along the way, including a failed acquisition and financial uncertainty, but their dedication and faith in their vision helped them overcome these obstacles. Jennifer's role in the business includes HR, marketing, and handling various tasks as needed. The conversation in this segment revolves around the daily routines and responsibilities of Linden and Jennifer Lantz in running their music store. They discuss how they manage their time between working in the shop, handling emails and communications, and empowering their employees. They also touch on the importance of financial management and the challenges they faced with accountants and software. The Lantz's share their experiences with starting their own rental program and the financing involved. They also talk about the pride and support they receive from their parents and their hopes for their children's future involvement in the business. Lastly, they discuss the challenges of brick-and-mortar retail in the music industry and the need to adapt to online platforms. In this final part of the conversation, Linden and Jennifer discuss the importance of education and staying relevant in the music industry. They highlight the value of attending conferences and events like NAMM, which provide excellent education and networking opportunities. They also emphasize the need for brick-and-mortar stores to create unique experiences that can't be replicated online. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the power of mentorship and building relationships within the industry.