In the early 90s, Mark Baier was working as a stockbroker, playing music for fun. He was disappointed that his new amp didn't sound anything like his old second hand amp. He realized that in order to have a new amp that sounded like his old amp, he'd need to build it himself. He taught himself 1960s electronics via his local library and then went to work. This incredible story was the modest beginnings of Victoria Amps. Mark's full story and much more on the latest episode of Small Business War Stories.

Victoria Amps: From Stockbroker to the Boutique Guitar Amplifier Business in Chicago, Illinois | Mark Baier

Small businesses are the soul of America. This is where they tell their stories. Three years, 16,000 miles and counting...

Small Business War Stories is a weekly show recorded in person with small business owners. We get the triumphs, struggles, and funny stories from our guests’ everyday lives.

Hosted by Pablo Fuentes, an entrepreneur and musician based in Austin, Texas.

For more on the show, please visit https://smallbusinesswarstories.com/

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Michael Slotboom is doing things on his terms. He was on track to run the machine shop at the University of Texas, but he discovered he really wanted to make custom guitar parts. So he talked to his wife and they invested their savings into starting a specialized shop. Fifteen years later, his parts are sought the world over, and you can see them on stage when you see many of your favorite artists.  

Armadillo Guitar: Making a Living with Custom Brass and Steel Guitar Parts in Austin, Texas | Michael Slotboom

Erin O'Keefe is the kind of woman that sees a vision and makes it happen. She learned about what makes a great recording studio...and then built one! What amazing artists is she recording these days? How do you even build a studio? What is the future of the music business? All of this and more in today's show. You can learn more about Firefly Austin Studio at https://www.fireflyaustinstudio.com/

Firefly Austin Studio: Making Music, Records, and Community in Austin, Texas | Erin O'Keefe

Grace Reyer and Big Henry's Vinyl and Gifts are at the epicenter of Austin music and culture. How did Grace and up with her dream job? What's the importance of self-care when managing a small business? All of this and more in today's episode. You can learn more about Big Henry's at https://bighenrysvinylandgifts.com//

Big Henry's Vinyl and Gifts: Purveyors of Music, Records, and Culture in Austin, Texas | Grace Reyer

Bubba O'Keefe has the spirit of the Mississippi Delta running through his veins. What stories does he have to tell about the Crossroads? Why is Clarksdale a great place to visit and/or start a business? And what are the kinds of people who succeed here? Bubba has seen it all...and he shares his stories on today's episode. You can learn more about Bubba and the Clarksdale, Mississippi at https://www.visitclarksdale.com/    

Visit Clarksdale, Mississippi: Promoting Visitors and Business in the Birthplace of the Blues | Bubba O'Keefe

Clarksdale, Mississippi is home to the world-famous Crossroads...where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his guitar chops. Why did Robert and Lucy decide to start a hostel in Clarksdale after succeeding with their property in New Orleans? What interesting stories live within the four walls of the Auberge? All of this and more in today's episode. You can learn more about Robert and the Auberge Hostel at https://aubergehostels.com/

Victoria Amps: From Stockbroker to the Boutique Guitar Amplifier Business in Chicago, Illinois | Mark Baier

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