A Music Lover's Dream

Music is something that connects all of us. There is nothing better than sharing your favorite music with good friends. This story is about a place where great music connects us to fantastic people. Music brings people together and Back to the Vinyl in Waupaca, Wisconsin has created a space that does just that. 

If you have not had a chance to meet the man behind this fun and nostalgic business, allow me to introduce Marty. As I got out of my car I was greeted with the sound of upbeat music playing. I walked through the door and entered a happy space where Marty greeted me with a smile and hello. He told me "Pull up a chair" and we chatted for a while as he told me so many fantastic stories about his and his wife's journey to create Back to the Vinyl. 

As I spoke with Marty I could feel his passion pouring out as he spoke of his love of music, his community, and his family. Marty told me about the people who have inspired and encouraged him. He talked about his dad who had a deep love for music and became interested in his dad's collection of vinyl records. This was the start of Marty's love for music and records.

Marty and his wife Jenn grew up in Neenah, Wisconsin. In 2015 they moved to Waupaca. Marty's passion was reignited when his cousin and friend Renee came to visit from Germany. They traveled across the United States in search of vinyl records. As their suitcases filled with records, Renee donated his clothes to the local Salvation Army until all that was left were the clothes on his back. After this, it became a dream/joke between Marty and Jenn that someday Marty would open a record store. 

As time went on, Jenn and Marty would walk downtown Waupaca and dream about the vacant buildings and how they could transform these spaces. With Jenn's unwavering support, this dream started becoming more real as they found a space that could work for them. Marty was able to work out a flexible schedule with his employer to allow him to open his store Friday - Sunday. Unfortunately, the logistics of this original space did not work out. The store opened Labor Day weekend and the following Tuesday, Marty's employer consolidated and he was let go from his job. Although this news was sudden this allows for Back to the Vinyl to be open every day.

So many people have stepped up and helped make Jenn and Marty's dream a reality. Sadie, Marty's cousin painted an awesome mural that hangs in the store, community members have dropped off crates for him to hold his records, and the community has continued to spread the word about the record store. Marty's previous supervisor donated money for him to get started, his friends and family made a GoFundMe page for crowdfunding, and Marty's aunt gave them a loan to get them off the ground. If you are an entrepreneur, you know how scary it is to take that leap of faith. In this case, Marty got a hard shove and he is making the community a better place by living his dream. 

Marty has made some amazing connections with a couple of bands and hopes to make more. A band from Nashville called Year of October and a band from London called Too Many T's sent autographed vinyl records to Marty. These records are now sold at the store. Marty hopes to connect with the Waupaca Danes Hall across the street to bring in bands in the future. 

Back to the Vinyl sells new and used vinyl records, CDs, Tapes, and record players, and he also buys used records. As you walk through the store the used records line the outside wall from Rock, to Country, to Jazz. New records are placed at the center of the store along with CDs, and Tapes. There is something for every music lover here. Please help support Marty and Jenn's dream by visiting Back to the Vinyl located at the north end of historic Main St. in downtown Waupaca. 102 Water St Waupaca, Wisconsin. The store hours are Monday - Thursday 12 pm - 6 pm, Friday - Saturday 10 am - 8 pm, and Sunday 10 am - 4 pm.

 

 Visit Small Town Wisconsin for more stories like this one.