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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
The tiny guitar shop on Main Street in Bountiful looks pretty ordinary when you first walk past. However, inside the little store is an entire music world just waiting to be discovered, created by long-time guitarist and music guru Michael Murphy.
Playing the guitar has been one of Michael's passions for many years. Even though he has been a full-time teacher at Viewmont High School for 34 years, Michael made time for his passion by working part-time at a guitar shop in Centerville. When that shop went out of business, Michael set out to fill the void.
In addition to doing extensive research, Michael took an entrepreneur class at the Davis Applied Technology College and developed a business plan. He also met with guitar vendors to let them know he was interested in carrying their products in his new store. His hard work paid off when Murphy's Guitars opened in June 2007.
Murphy's Guitars carries guitars, accessories and amplifiers as well as provides a guitar and amplifier repair service. The shop offers support services beyond the initial purchase, such as free adjustments and string replacements for a year. The store also offers guitar lessons, and most of the time all five of its studios are busy.
What draws customers into the shop, Michael says, is its casual and friendly atmosphere and its wide selection of inventory that includes many of the industry's most recognizable brands. The business has been so successful that he has been able to expand his product lines.
Opening Murphy's Guitars is a dream come true for Michael, and he tells me he's never had so much fun. He has many contacts in the community from his years of teaching at Viewmont, which has also helped his business. He intends to keep Murphy's Guitars at its small size to maintain a high level of personalized service.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
