A new Record Store that gives back in a big way

Thank you so much for taking the time to check out my campaign. I would have never been able to accomplish so much so fast without all of your generous donations and amazing support so far.

I am opening a cool new music and vinyl store in the heart of downtown Ellsworth, just outside of Acadia National Park in Maine. I also plan to display a nice variety of antique phonographs, radios, and hifi gear. I am a firm believer in the power of music and so excited to be sharing it with you all.

One of the things I am most excited is how I plan on paying forward all of the generosity and positivity I have received throughout this project. I will be donating 10% of all profits directly to instruments for local kids in need. I will be working with local schools to identify and meet their needs to make sure anyone that wants to play something gets the opportunity.

There is another donation we will be making in loving memory of Darren Hilton. His sister, Denise inherited the records when he passed away from cancer in December. As they were cleaning out his things, they found over 100 checks for donations to St. Jude.

Denise Donated her brother's entire collection to the store, and we are donating 75% of the profits from those records straight to St. Judes Hospital in honor of Darren.

I am so grateful for the donations I have received so far. With the funds, I was able to secure an amazing location and start the buildout process. The whole place is painted, and I was able to build really cool wooden record bins. I also acquired so great displays and a bit of starting inventory for the shop.

This past week, I began locking wholesale accounts with brands like Ernie Ball, Diadarrio, Grado, and Audio Technica. Here is a rough idea of the remaining expenses I am looking at between now and opening day.

For the last 3 and a half months, I have been working 14-16 hour days on this crazy adventure. I have been doing all of the work in the shop myself, with a bit of help from great friends and family. My main source of income is currently repairing/selling vintage hifi gear, and I've managed to profit off of many items to also contribute as much as possible financially.

I would absolutely love to get this shop going without going into debt. I have bootstrapped my way this far, and I'm confident with your support, we can push this thing over the finish line!!

If we exceed the funds needed to finish the record store, we will start working on the antique radio museum as well! 

 

 

The Collection

My dear friend George served in the Coast Guard as a radio engineer, and over the past 50-60 years, has accumulated quite an impressive collection of vintage radio/audio gear.

When he retired from the Coast Guard, he started an electronics repair business, as well as an antique radio museum. Now in his 80s, most of this collection is sitting in storage just waiting to be shown to the world!

For the last few months, George has been extraordinarily generous with his collection of gear, parts, and test equipment. He has given me the opportunity to restore many items and has been helpful answering any and all of my questions. He agrees that it is important for young people to learn about this stuff so that it can be maintained and continue to amaze.

His Wife, Wilma mentioned to me a few weeks back that George would be interested in selling off the collection. There is about 2000 sq ft packed to the rafters of great stuff in need of repair, restoration and display.

I am hoping that you all will help me purchase this collection to restore, preserve and showcase at Vinyl Vogue, soon to locate in the indoor European style market in the heart of downtown Ellsworth, Maine.

The Music Store and Radio Museum

There is a critical need for a music store in Down East Maine and with your help, Vinyl Vogue will meet the demand for record collectors, working musicians and those who simply have a joy for music. Vinyl Vogue will showcase quality vinyl, new and vintage instruments, accessories, as well as some of the antique gear from George’s collection.

This opportunity is extremely exciting to me. My life revolves around music and electronics, and I am very passionate about preserving and maintaining antique radios and hifi equipment. I also enjoy people who share my love of music, and owning and operating a shop where I can meet fellow music lovers is beyond exciting.

The small store will showcase quality vinyl, instrument accessories, as well as some of the antique gear from George’s collection.

If we surpass the initial goal, additional funds will go directly towards leasing a larger space to house all of George’s collection. This will be an interactive museum experience where people can interact with working antique radios and equipment that are almost 100 years old. There will also be hands-on stations set up where visitors can learn about vintage electronics and radio technology of the 20th century.

More about me

I have loved music and electronics for as long as I can remember. From a very early age, I was tinkering with computers as well as old hifi gear.

Working with George’s collection has allowed me to learn a vast amount of information in a relatively short amount of time. I am really looking forward to restoring more of the collection, especially the pre-war radios and cool 50s/60s jukeboxes.

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations. check Tik Tok for more details

I am very hopeful that there are others just as excited about this collection as I am. It is extremely important for younger generations to take interest in this stuff before it all ends up in the dump.

Your support in this project is greatly appreciated, and I looking forward to seeing you at the antique radio museum on your next trip to Maine!