Today we’d like to introduce you to Chuck Browder.
Chuck, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Chuck discovered his love for guitar at the age of 12. His formal music journey began in High School at The North Carolina School of the Arts, where he studied classical guitar under the tutelage of renowned maestros Aaron Shearer, Kenneth Frazelle, and Gerald Klickstein. Furthering his education at Guilford College, Chuck majored in Music and Political Science, leading to a fruitful partnership producing radio show The World of the Unexplained (WOTU), which hosted intriguing guests such as Jesse Marcel Jr., Alice Krige, and Dr. Cyril Wecht. Chuck then segued into creating, producing and co-hosting the politically charged talk show Third Rail Radio, interviewing influential figures like Senator Mike Gravel, Roger Stone, and Fareed Zakaria. During school, and in the many years since, Chuck performed with the Guilford College Guitar Ensemble and the Piedmont Guitar Orchestra, including a memorable performance at the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland.
Chuck began working in music retail just after getting married to his college sweetheart. Ever the traveler through the musical realm during his many years in the industry, Chuck has absorbed vast knowledge and insights from factory tours with iconic brands such as Gibson, C.F. Martin, Yamaha, and Fender. He has connected with legendary industry figures like Bob Taylor and Christian Frederick Martin IV, deepening his understanding of the artistry behind each instrument. He has worked with countless professional musicians, guitar makers, collectors, and industry leaders, never forgetting the new player next door.
With his 17 years of corporate music retail now in the rearview mirror, Chuck has finally opened the doors to The Guitar Shop Off Elm Street in the heart of downtown Greensboro, NC. This isn’t just an independent guitar shop; it’s Chuck’s rockstar playground, a sanctuary where guitar enthusiasts can tap into Chuck’s world of passion, expertise, and electrifying energy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a brand new business owner there are ups and downs to be expected. You just have to look at the long game. Where will I be with this 5-10 years from now? So you just have to roll with the punches and remember in the end that you’re doing this for yourself and not a heartless venture capital company. Whether it’s figuring out payroll, purchase orders, advertising, etc. its something new every day.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
So I’m originally a classical guitarist. Dr. Failla, who you recently interviewed, and I both attended High School at The North Carolina School of the Arts. I later went on to receive a BA in Music from Guilford College and an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering from the GTCC Larry Gatlin School of Entertainment Technology.
I then went on to work for Guitar Center for 17 years in various capacities. I was a top sales writer with the company, which meant trips to the corporate headquarters in Los Angles and factory tours of manufacturers like Gibson, C.F. Martin, and Fender to name a few. While with Guitar Center I made numerous connections with clients, dealer reps, and many others. But after several years and numerous service awards, I decided that it was certainly time to move on.
In starting this venture here at The Guitar Shop Off Elm Street, there are several things that set me apart from others that attempted to start local music stores in the past were either musicians that knew nothing about business or business people that knew nothing about music. This is what sets me apart from the other and quite frankly this store might be the accomplishment that I am most proud of!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Yes mentors have been helpful. One in particular that has been helpful is and old Executive Vice President that I worked for while at Guitar Center. He is now a national sales rep for Taylor Guitars. He visited us a few months back and had several pointers for me. I’ve found it helpful to lean on people that have done these things before. As for networking, I’d like to say small world, but more like small town. Word gets around fast, and through the magic of social media and work of mouth we’ve been put on the radar.
Pricing:
- EVH Wolfgang WG Standard $499
- Washburn R310K Victorian $399
- Cort Earth Mini OP Solid Spruce/Mahogany 3/4-Size Dreadnought $199
- Schecter C-1 Plus $329
- Gibson SG Standard $1199
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theguitarshopoffelmstreet.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AKsvAntXB/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theguitarshopoffelmstreet
