Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I became enamored with the rave scene in the late 90’s and fell in love with electronic music. DJ’ing and production ignited an addiction to synthesizers most of which I couldn’t afford. I realized that scouring classified ads lead to great deals and started to refurbish vintage synthesizers to resell and pay for my habit. Things grew from there. I got everything officially established in 2007 and Perfect Circuit Audio was born. We primarily sold vintage/used gear until 2012 and were exclusively online until 2015 when we opened up our brick and mortar storefront in Burbank CA.
Has it been a smooth road?
I wish I could say it has been smooth but there have been numerous struggles along the way. There are literally countless issues that we have to overcome every single day. Its part of the journey and imperative to improving not only customer but employee experience as well.
If I had to narrow it down to 3 these are the big ones….
Originally one of the main issues was staying stocked with quality product to sell. As I was relying purely on classified ads, it continuously required more and more time and effort to collect an adequate inventory of choice pieces. I wasn’t interested in just selling anything I could get my hands on and it was my number one priority to assemble a top notch selection.
The transition from used gear being sold 100% on eBay to selling new product and developing our website was another big hurdle. We were doing very well with the used gear business model but knew that it had to evolve. It’s extremely difficult to cut off something that is working well and go into uncharted territory. It took years to slowly phase out our reliance on used products and transition the business safely.
Opening the storefront was a tremendous undertaking. I had no idea what I was getting into and think if I had known what I know now, I probably would have been too scared to do it. It was like starting a new business on top the one we currently had going. We opened the storefront almost two years ago and we are still constantly refining operations
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Perfect Circuit Audio – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We offer a variety of products and services for all types of electronic musicians. We not only carry niche and modular synthesizers but also workstations, controllers, pedals, software, DJ and pro audio gear. We have a trade in program for used equipment and offer consignment services as well.
Our goal is to be a complete solution for electronic musicians. Whether you are hardware based or completely “in the box” we have you covered. Experimental to EDM. Synth-Pop to Hip-Hop. We support electronic music regardless of its shape or form and want to make sure that people can count on us to have the best sound design and recording tools on hand.
I think electronic musicians in Los Angeles have been waiting for a place to open up that offered the accessibility of a big box retailer but with a more curated product selection. We made the “Best of LA” 2016 list voted by the readers of LA Weekly. Positive feedback like that is what makes it all worth it. One of our top priorities is community building as well. We host a variety of in store workshops which usually happen twice a month. It’s a great way to showcase manufacturers, local artists, and bring people together.
I think that the combination of product knowledge and selection coupled with community outreach is what sets us apart from the rest and is what I’m most proud of.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Best: Los Angeles has so much to offer in the way of arts, music, and culture. It’s an endless sea of options.
Worst: It’s a bit too spread out and getting places can be a pain.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Perseverance hands down.
Pricing:
- Special offer for VoyageLA readers
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- to save 10% off your next purchase!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2405 W Empire Ave
Burbank CA 91504 - Website: www.perfectcircuitaudio.com
- Phone: 818-709-1727
- Email: [email protected]
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
