Daily Inspiration: Meet Jeff Ferguson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Ferguson

Hi Jeff, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My partner, Ellen, and I currently own and operate Run Out Groove Records, nestled in the heart of Burbank’s Magnolia Park district. The idea for the store began during the pandemic when life had us questioning whether we were truly doing everything we wanted with our lives. Ellen, after working in restaurants for over 30 years—at iconic spots like Petite Trois Le Valley, L&E Oyster Bar, and as the head bartender at the original Largo Theater—was suddenly classified as a “front-line worker.” That realization, combined with the uncertainty of the times, led her to decide it was time for something new.

We began brainstorming concepts for a business that would go beyond just selling products. We envisioned a space that celebrated the culture and lifestyle surrounding a particular theme. Ideas ranged from a high-end liquor store focusing on cocktails to a furniture restoration shop celebrating Mid-Century Modern design. But the idea that stuck was “a record store for grown-ups.”

I’d been collecting records since I was 10 years old, buying 45s at GEMCO in Paramount, CA, where I grew up. During the pandemic, I decided to catalog my collection and, in the process, sold off records that no longer “sparked joy” (thank you, Marie Kondo) or were worth more than I could justify keeping. I realized that sourcing vintage vinyl in bulk wasn’t as challenging as I thought, given my experience digging through estate sales and auctions over the years. That realization planted the seed for our store.

We opened our first location in June 2022, a cozy 350-square-foot space tucked away in the Magnolia Park Shopping Arcade, one of Burbank’s oldest retail buildings. Initially, we imagined it as a “reservation-only” showroom for locals and occasional visitors to pick up online orders. But within the first month, curious passersby started knocking on the door. Without even listing ourselves on Google or putting out signage, word got out. By month two, we were covering our costs and decided to lean into the idea of a full-fledged retail experience.

Fast forward a year, and the store had become a community hub. We hosted listening events, participated in Record Store Day, and even had Fred Armisen perform during our first Holiday in the Park festival. One day, Green Day themselves crashed their own listening event at our store, and the buzz propelled us to new heights. By early 2024, we knew it was time to expand. We moved to a much larger location on Magnolia Boulevard, transforming the space into a music lover’s paradise, complete with a stage and a Capitol Records-inspired listening booth. By our first Black Friday at the new spot, the line wrapped around the building.

That’s where we are today, gearing up for the rest of the holiday season, grateful for the incredible community that’s embraced our vision. But to explain how we got here, I’ll rewind a bit.

My professional journey began in 1995, fresh out of Cal State Fullerton with Communications and Computer Science degrees. I initially aimed to become a copywriter but was swept into the emerging world of internet marketing. Entrepreneurial ventures, though, have been a constant since childhood. From selling hand-drawn sports logos in elementary school to mix tapes in high school and refurbished electronics in college, I always had a side hustle.

Professionally, I’ve worked with brands like Hilton Hotels, Kimberly-Clark, Experian, and Napster. I eventually launched my own digital marketing agency, Fang Marketing, which later merged with Amplitude Digital, which I eventually owned outright after its founders moved on to new projects. Alongside that, I began teaching digital marketing and SEO at UCLA Extension, sharing my knowledge with the next generation of marketers.

Today, Ellen and I split our focus. She manages the day-to-day operations of Run Out Groove Records while I balance teaching, running Amplitude Digital, and handling the store’s buying desk. You’ll often find me at the store on weekends, chatting with customers and geeking out over music.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ellen and I were fortunate to start this journey with a strong foundation of skills that many small business owners don’t have. Ellen’s decades of experience in restaurants gave her an incredible grace with customers, which balances out my occasional lack of patience in that area. Her eye for design transformed our store into something more than just a typical record shop—it feels like a cozy lounge that happens to sell vinyl, rather than the dusty, cardboard-box aesthetic you see in so many places. On my end, my 30+ years in marketing and business gave us a head start in areas where many small businesses struggle, allowing us to grow faster than most. And on top of that, my woodworking hobby came in handy—I built all of our custom record racks, saving us a significant expense while giving the store a personal touch.

That said, this hasn’t been without its challenges. Ellen and I self-funded this operation using personal credit cards and any line of credit we could find. Banks, still focused on PPP loans after the pandemic, weren’t particularly helpful with SBA loans—something we’ve only recently managed to secure after two and a half years. Navigating that financial strain, especially in the early days, was stressful, but we’ve come out stronger on the other side.

Another adjustment has been recognizing how much this store has become our life. Before Run Out Groove Records, we enjoyed weeklong vacations in Mexico and dinners at some of LA’s best restaurants, thanks to Ellen’s connections in the industry. These days, after long hours running the store, our idea of a “night out” is streaming something while sinking into the couch. Thankfully, we’ve now been able to hire some help, giving us a bit more balance.

Despite the obstacles, we wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Watching this business grow and become a beloved part of the community has made every challenge worthwhile.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Run Out Groove Records, Ellen and I have worked to create more than just a record store—we’ve built a space that celebrates music culture in its entirety. From the start, our goal was to craft an environment that feels welcoming and inspiring, a place where people don’t just buy music but connect with it. Our store is known for its warm, lounge-like aesthetic, complete with custom-built record racks, a small stage for live performances, and even a listening booth styled after the legendary Capitol Records studios.

We specialize in curating a mix of new releases and vintage vinyl, with a focus on quality and rarity. Our inventory is meticulously selected—whether it’s a first pressing of a classic album or the latest indie release, every record we sell has a story. Beyond records, we stock vintage music-themed shirts, curated books, and accessories that appeal to music lovers of all ages.

What sets us apart is the personal touch we bring to everything we do. Ellen’s impeccable customer service, honed over 30 years in the restaurant industry, makes every visitor feel like a guest in our home. My background in marketing and business allows us to approach things from a more strategic perspective, from community-focused events like listening parties to a robust online presence that reaches far beyond Burbank. We’ve also made our mark through collaborations, like hosting Fred Armisen for an in-store event and seeing Green Day crash their own album listening party, which boosted our visibility in ways we never anticipated.

What I’m most proud of is the sense of community we’ve cultivated. We’ve become a hub for local music lovers, hosting events that bring people together and supporting artists of every genre. Watching our line wrap around the building on Record Store Day or hearing a customer rave about finding a long-lost gem on our shelves is deeply rewarding.

At its core, what sets us apart is the way we blend passion, expertise, and a true love for music into every aspect of the business. Run Out Groove Records isn’t just a store—it’s a celebration of music and the people who love it.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
We’ve definitely had our share of good luck—moments like Green Day crashing their own album listening event at our store or Linkin Park dropping by are things you just can’t plan for. But I like to think that we’ve created the conditions for that luck to happen. By being active on social media, hosting regular listening events, and staying deeply involved in our community, we’ve put ourselves in a position where opportunities like these can arise.

For example, we’re active members of the local merchants association, helping organize events like Food Truck Fridays during the summer. This year, I even took on the responsibility of running Holiday in the Park, a massive 10-block street festival that brings thousands of people to Magnolia Park. These kinds of efforts not only build goodwill but also make Run Out Groove Records a central part of the community.

At the end of the day, luck certainly plays a role, but it’s about recognizing those lucky breaks and running with them. We’ve worked hard to make our store a place where exciting things happen, and when those moments of serendipity come along, we make sure to seize them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.runoutgrooverecords.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runoutgrooverecords
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runoutgrooverecords
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/Run-Out-Groove