Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Maxwell.
Steve, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been a drummer and collector of rare drums for decades. Over the years I always maintained a passion for superb and rare drums, and started collecting them back in the mid-70s when I was in my twenties. I remained active as a collector for decades, and in 2001 opened my first small shop which was located in the historic Fine Arts Building on Michigan Ave. It was a small space, about 700sf. I ran that shop in my spare time on Sundays while I worked running businesses in the technology sector. We gradually expanded within the Fine Arts Building and when I decided to leave “traditional” corporate life we then opened another store in 2008 in midtown Manhattan, NYC. We later moved our Illinois location out to Naperville and in April 2016 we moved yet again to a 7500sf facility in Glendale Heights. In this facility we have showrooms, our warehouse, our digital media production facility as well as a complete analog recording studio. Our midtown Manhattan location is about to celebrate its 10th year and we are expanding there as well.
Our goal has always been to bring the experience of these instruments to people who want to touch them, hear them, and to learn about their history. We strive to carry the legacy forward and to provide education, and have fun in the process. Over the years our business has expanded and we are currently the largest vintage drum dealer worldwide with a robust domestic and international client base, for which we are very thankful.
We have also been fortunate to be able to represent great artists and to assist them in selling their equipment. Many of these instruments are historically important based on the artist and the performances/recordings on which these instruments were featured. It has been a privilege to be able to find new homes for these instruments, with people who will become the “caretakers” of them for the next generation.
The drum set has always fascinated me and I take great pleasure in sharing my knowledge and experience with those who wish to learn.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As with all businesses, the road to success has bumps and potholes. Our business is a niche-market operation. As a result, we look for points of differentiation within what we sell and what we do. We specialize in items not readily found elsewhere and we avoid the modern day obsession with “price-driven” businesses, which I describe as the “race-to-the-bottom”. People value our knowledge and expertise, and they trust us. We strive to have the highest level of integrity in all that we do, and we value service very highly. Our customers seem to appreciate our philosophy and their support is evidence of their trust.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Steve Maxwell Vintage and Custom Drums – what should we know?
We sell high end vintage and high end custom drums and related items. We also specialize in items owned by famous musicians and we are called upon often to provide expert appraisal values for rare instruments. We are also brokers for these rare instruments when they come to market. We also have a manufacturing arm of the business that produces vintage reproduction drum set parts as well as our own custom drums. We are not like the “big box” stores. We are a niche market player and we stay true to our business model and our high level of service. We’re proudest of our strong reputation within the industry, and also proud of the fact that we have been able to assist older musicians who have fallen on difficult times, by helping them sell their instruments for the most value possible.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
1. Trust. People must be able to trust you. Your word means everything.
2. Service. Service is a critical component. People want to feel good about making a larger purchase. They want to speak to the owner, and they should be able to speak to the owner. My personal email and cell phone number are on my website and I encourage people to call.
Contact Info:
- Address: Steve Maxwell Vintage and Custom Drums
2000 Bloomingdale Rd. Unit #110
Glendale Heights, IL 60139 - Website: www.maxwelldrums.com
- Phone: 630-865-6849
- Email: vintagedrums@aol.com
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