Ep. 36: Instrument repairman builds business from scratch

Listen to Episode 36: iTunes – Spotify – Stitcher – Soundcloud

Tony Barrette is a professional saxophonist and repair specialist. In addition to co-owning TB Winds, he teaches woodwind instrument repair at the University of North Texas (UNT) to undergraduate and graduate students.

Before moving back to Denton, Tony worked as a saxophone repair specialist at Meridian Winds in East Lansing, Michigan, where he had the opportunity to work for the saxophone studios of Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. Tony was also previously based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Although many TB Winds customers are locally based, many customers live around the country and ship their instruments or travel to Denton to work with Tony.

Tony currently performs in Denton nursing homes through Texas Winds Musical Outreach and subs with the Lone Star Wind Orchestra. Tony received a Bachelor of Music Education from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from UNT.

Topics discussed:

  • Wanting to be a band director
  • Following opportunities across the country
  • Earning a music degree
  • Teaching instrument repair
  • Auditioning for military bands
  • Opening a music store
  • Working in an open pit iron mine and construction
  • Incorporating hobbies and interests into your creativity and career
  • Staying open to possibilities and following your curiosity
  • Student loans
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement
  • Running a business
  • Developing a business plan and leasing a space
  • Tax implications of income and assets
  • Cash vs accrual tax method
  • Sec. 179 Expense
  • LLC & S-corp

Resources & names mentioned:

Connect with Tony:

Thanks for listening and keep thriving!

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