Rising Stars: Meet Robert Grimes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Grimes.  

Hi Robert, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started a Comic Book Store (The Comic Book E.R.) in Cadillac, MI, in 2014; being originally from Grand Rapids, MI, I was used to towns with Comic Book Stores, Record Stores, etc. but discovered a lacking in those areas of Northern MI, so I set out to start my own. Due to Covid Pandemic, I was forced to close my Comic Book Store in late 2020; shipping delays, staffing, distribution shut down a lot of what other businesses were also going through at the time. Towards the last few months, before I had to shut down my Comic Book Store, I was starting to stock my other passion in life, Records and Tapes, and we were getting a pretty good response, So I was really looking forward to that expansion. Unfortunately, a world crisis was on the Horizon, but I told myself, eventually, I would come back, and this time it would be a Record Store. So, on April 10, 2023, I launched GTV&V a partnership between GTVinyl and GTVapor, Grand Traverse Vinyl, and Grand Traverse Vapor, GTV&V for short. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are always challenges to opening a small independent niche retail store, but by doing it through a partnership, GTVinyl is off to a good start, but finding a location and securing funding was definitely not easy; in smaller towns, many do not see the trends like the Vinyl Record resurgence as being a legitimate sound investment, but I still had a few friends in the business that were supportive, with product donations, spreading the word for me and getting me set up with the right distributors, the strength of small indie stores working together is an amazing thing. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I come from a long history of retail work, starting working in retail when I was sixteen; that was forty years ago, you do the math. I worked Video Stores, Record Stores, Comic Book Stores, even owned a couple of those. I am most proud of starting my business from the ground up, limiting funding, grassroots promotion, shaking hands, winning hearts and minds in the communities I serve. I take customer service to the next level and keep it there, knowing my customers by name offering services like appraisals and, equipment repair, and diagnostics many times for free. I build wish list for my customers and hold the product for when they can come in. I collaborate with other local business to cross-promote, not just business cards and flyers, but actual spending time with them, giving them business, sharing customers, cross-promoting product in each other’s stores. 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My mentor was a man named Charles Spanburg; he taught everything I know about retail; I was 20 and was his assistant mgr. He gave me the courage to be proud that I was a professional retailer, product knowledge, customer greetings, knowing procedures, problem-solving. I am a good retailer because of him. My advice, find those who are older than you and value their experience. It is too often people dismiss the value of age and experience. You will be amazed how those who have built and worked their own businesses for years and what they have to share. I still do it; I have helped at least 10 or more people start their own businesses in one form or another, it is the right thing to do, and young entrepreneurs should definitely think about this as a valuable resource. 

Pricing:

• We sell cassette tapes for 2.00
• We sell CDs for 2.00
• Our used records sell between 3.00 to 10 dollars collector pieces not included

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Robert Grimes & Grand Traverse Vapor

Image Credits
GTVinyl
Rob Grimes center
Christine Derosha
Jen Werden
Jordan Joynt
GTVapor