In the vinyl analysis
Meet the business owners launching during a pandemic
By Sabine Wilson
For the TODAY
When is the right time to start a business? For resilient business owners, Taj and Corrie Richardson of Output Records, Beth Towers of Towers Training and Dustin Russell of Dodd’s Coffee — the right time was during a global pandemic. And, spoiler alert: they are executing the challenge beautifully.
While it is a seemingly daunting task to open a new business during such uncertain times, these businesses simply adapted to the new normal and carried on.
Walking into Output Records, you’re greeted with a sense of nostalgia created by the recognizable vinyl smell breathing through the pores of the store, and decorations that include nods to the music greats.
The boutique aspect of the store was carefully designed to support a circular economy of local artists and creators. This store is retro with a modern twist, while exercising local and sustainability values.
This was not Taj and Corrie’s first rodeo. The couple started a previous Output Music in 2005, eventually having to close in 2011 due to the recession. But they always envisioned opening another music store again at some point.
“We were committed to starting our business whether COVID-19 was going to be short-lived or long-lived,” Taj said. “We decided to stop talking about it and just do it.”
They were finally able to scratch that nine-year-old itch in May, after the original plans to open in April were stifled by the quarantine; though that extra delay actually had a silver lining.
“It worked out quite well for us,” Taj said. “We were able to take the extra time to make sure we were completely ready.”
With an already-positive outlook during uncertain times, Corrie and Taj were able to reflect on a positive omen with their opening date of May 16 that, of course, correlated with music.
“One of our favorite bands, Lagwagon, has a song about May 16,” Taj said. “So, it was really cool for that to be our anniversary celebration day every year.”
While opening during this tumultuous time still poses challenges, the couple make sure to do what they can, adhering to a strict regimen of mask requirements, wiping down surfaces and door handles after every transaction and placing arrows around the store to help with social distancing. They also offer sanitizing wipes for all customers.
Output Records’ main inventory includes vinyl, tapes, turntables and other electronics, but they also offer a unique selection of clothing, home goods and accessories. Some of their products are also part of an eco-friendly collection.
“Corrie puts a lot of effort into trying to bring independent artists in,” Taj said. “Many of them are local.”
Currently streaming monthly live in-store concerts, the couple hope return to having events that are open to the public once it is safe, and developing an all-ages space where kids can be inspired by live music.
Some might think records are outdated, but vinyl is in the midst of a surging comeback.
“Some readers might be surprised to learn that our average customer is between 25 and 45.” Taj said.
Output Records is located at 1747 NW Hwy. 101 in Lincoln City. For more information, go to https://shopoutput.com.
Towers Training
For readers looking to utilize extra time they may have been granted by the pandemic to get in shape, but have been stymied by gym closures, there’s good news.
Beth Towers, a fitness guru of 20 years, has started her own personal fitness training program: Towers Training.
Her extensive background includes teaching fitness classes, managing a Gold’s Gym and, most recently, presenting classes at the Lincoln City Community Center.
During the shutdown, her daughter recommended she focus on fitness. So, with the help of her husband, she was able to create a logo and construct an awesome workout space for her clients that includes a variety of gym equipment.
The studio is enabling Beth to customize a variety of different packages to fit the needs and goals of her clients, and is ideal for people who are not comfortable working out in a public space.
“At my studio you are free from on-lookers and crowds.” she said. “Your time is maximized with the latest fitness equipment and proven exercise routines.”
While many people follow workouts online, they miss out on the one-on-one attention from an expert, who can ensure their form is correct and that they are following a plan that works for them.
“There are so many ways to do things wrong,” Beth said. “I often need to correct form and make sure everything is being done safely and correctly.”
After training people from as young as 13 all the way to a 90-year-old as well as people recovering from surgeries, Beth really focuses on the needs of the individual and does everything to help her clients reach their goals.
To encourage a true lifestyle change, she helps clients focus on things like balance, flexibility, strength and stability.
Beth is also very diligent about safety regulations during a pandemic.
“I offer masks, face shields and hand sanitizer,” she said. “And I bleach all of the equipment and the floors. Everything gets cleaned between sessions.”
For more information or to book a session, go to the Towers Training page on Facebook.
Dodd’s Coffee Company
For coffee lovers everywhere, there is a new variety of aromatic roasts coming from Pacific City.
Dustin Russell, owner of Dodd’s Coffee Company, an online coffee subscription service offering organic and fair trade coffee, one week after the state shutdown.
And though he acknowledges the challenges he faces as a new business owner during COVID-19, those challenges have also led him towards innovation.
“We offer a monthly subscription to our clients on any bag limit they would like,” Russell said. “You pick your own roast profile and every month, you get a new, single-origin coffee customized to your roast profile.”
All products are personally packaged by Dodd’s employees.
“We wear gloves, face masks and face shields,” Dustin said. “Coffee is also stored for three days before it ships.”
Find more information go to dodddscoffee.com
More new businesses to check out on the coast:
Pub Fish & Chips, in Lincoln City, offers seafood, beer, wine and spirits and, of course, fried fish and chips. Check out their menu at pubfishandchips.com.
Stabi Dave’s Bait & Tackle in Newport offers new and used rods and reels, American-made tackle for all aspects of fishing, ice, snacks and beverages. Services include line spooling, rod repair, custom rod building and reel repair. Find them on Facebook at Stabi Dave’s Bait & Tackle.
Finally, if you were looking for a blend of old and new that is inspired by the 19th Century, visit Femme Fatale in Newport. The shop offers “feminine curiosities and apothecaries.” Find them on Facebook at Femme Fatale Curiosities.