Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Brown
Hi Casey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My vinyl record and CD business began over 20 years ago as an online venture, operating initially from my home. After out growing my space at home and in the garage. I decided to open a warehouse / store to see what happed. Now Almost ten years ago, on October 1st, we opened a retail location in Clearwater at 1610 N. Hercules Avenue. Starting with a single unit, the store has since expanded to three units, encompassing approximately 6,500 square feet. Despite challenges like Covid-19 and hurricane setbacks, the business has continued to thrive, experiencing consistent month-to-month growth. We are will soon be celebrating our 10-year anniversary at the brick-and-mortar location and are excited about the ongoing resurgence of vinyl records, CDs, and even cassette tapes.
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?
From online rare record sales to a thriving brick-and-mortar store, my business has seen a remarkable evolution over the past two decades. Starting over 20 years ago as an online-only venture, I focused primarily on selling rare records to collectors. Opening our Clearwater retail location almost ten years ago required a significant shift, forcing me to learn the intricacies of the retail side of the business. While the online market was about finding specific, sought-after items, the store became about creating an experience and catering to a broader range of music enthusiasts. Navigating this transition was a challenge, but it proved crucial to our long-term success. The Covid-19 pandemic presented another major hurdle. After a mandatory month-long shutdown and subsequent months of slow sales, we worried about the future. Ironically, the pandemic ultimately became a catalyst for growth. With more time at home, people began rediscovering their old record collections, pulling dusty vinyl from shelves and closets. This rediscovery, coupled with a surge of younger customers—many of whom were born 15-20 years after the initial decline of vinyl’s popularity and were experiencing records as a “new” technology—led to an explosion in sales. This influx of new and returning enthusiasts solidified our place in the community and fueled our continued growth.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My journey to owning Clearwater Record Shop, LLC, has been one of reinvention. After working for startups in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, the Enron scandal rippled through the industry, forcing a career shift. I then transitioned to automobile sales and finance, only to face the economic downturn of the 2007 Great Recession. It was during this time that my long-time hobby of selling records online became my primary source of income. This online business, which I ran full-time for nearly a decade while simultaneously raising my two young daughters, laid the foundation for my current venture. On October 1st, 2015, I opened the doors to Clearwater Record Shop, LLC, a business I own and operate. We specialize in physical music formats—vinyl records, CDs, and even cassette tapes—catering to a diverse clientele, from seasoned collectors to a new generation discovering the charm of physical media. We’re known for our extensive selection, knowledgeable staff, and a strong sense of community. What sets us apart is our unique history: from online rare record sales to balancing family life with a thriving online business, culminating in a successful brick-and-mortar store. We’re incredibly proud of our monthly Record Show Swap Meet, a free event for both vendors and attendees, which has become a local favorite. This event’s success is directly tied to the power of social media, particularly Facebook, which has made promoting and organizing such a large-scale event significantly more efficient. Without this platform, the reach and ease of organization would be nearly impossible. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all music lovers, fostering a community around the shared passion for music. We want readers to know that Clearwater Record Shop is more than just a place to buy records; it’s a destination for music enthusiasts to connect, discover new sounds, and celebrate the enduring appeal of physical music formats.
How do you think about luck?
While some might attribute success to luck, I firmly believe that hard work, honesty, and integrity are the true driving forces. I’ve always operated on the principle of being upfront with people and dedicating myself to my work, especially when it comes to providing for my family. I’ve found that when people see you’re genuinely striving to improve your life through honest effort, they’re naturally inclined to support you. I don’t discount the role of chance encounters or unexpected opportunities, but I believe those are more likely to arise when you’re actively putting in the work. As for “bad luck,” I see it simply as “life.” Everyone faces challenges, setbacks, and unexpected difficulties. It’s how you respond to those situations that truly matters. You deal with them as best you can, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward. I don’t dwell on the negative or attribute it to some external force of “bad luck.” Instead, I focus on adapting, overcoming, and continuing to pursue my goals with the same dedication and integrity that have guided me throughout my life and business.
Pricing:
- We have thousands of records and CDs starting in the $1.00 to $2.00 range
- Up to $1000.00++ rare records
Contact Info:
- Website: https://clearwaterrecordshop.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearwater_record_show/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterRecordShow
Image Credits
Casey Brown
