We had the good fortune of connecting with ANN WOOD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ANN, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My partner, Jeff Perkins and I had been pursuing a career as artists/musicians in an instrumental band for about 10 years. A variety of events ended the band and we were at a cross roads. His father was looking at Play It Again Sports as an investment and found Music Go Round in 1997. At that time MGR was a very new franchisee and promoted the us to put our individual stamp on this new concept.

I personally had worked in used clothing retail for several years. And as musicians, we always bought used instruments. So the opportunity was a no Brainer to settle down a bit, but continue in music as a career.

We loved the idea of connecting with musicians and provide cheaper options for instruments and equipment while creating a community atmosphere in the Atlanta area.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been creative and feel a really strong bond with creative people. I started playing music with my best friend Sheila Brynjulfson in 1983 during the second punk wave. There was a fertile environment for experimentation. No one expected to make a living back then.

Later when I met Jeff in 1989 we bonded immediately as artists, friends and eventually life partners. Jeff made me believe anything was possible. He encouraged my development as a guitar player and song writer. We started a band called DEW I. 1991 in Atlanta. The scene was thriving. I loved performing with so many great bands.

After opening the store we started our recording duo Perkins Wood.. We have released or appeared on 8 albums over the years. It has been a lifetime of creative self discovery with Jeff.

The store is the perfect compliment. A great creative business venture that has allowed us to support ourselves while pursuing our art.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Of course, Jeff’s dad Jim Perkins who invested in us and mentored us in the early years. And Clark Music on Ponce and Boulevard for being an example of the kind of store we wanted to be.

And most especially, our customers who have given us feedback that helped us grow and reflect back the needs of the community. With out our customers we would not be a store today. Literally, our customers are responsible for our inventory as well as revenue since we are All used. We buy from the community. It is very symbiotic.

Website: https://www.musicgoround.com/home/sell-us-your-gear

Instagram: Instagram.com/Musicgoroundatlanta@gmail.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/Musicgoroundatlanta

Other: PerkinsWood.com/music.php

Image Credits
Tina Perkins

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