Center Stories: Mara Schack & Tone Music

Every other month on our website we’ll be highlighting a different client of the Owatonna Area Business Development Center in a series called “Center Stories,” interviewed by Executive Director Sean E. Williams.

Mara Schack of Tone Music

What made you decide to go into business for yourself?

I had always, as a music teacher, dreamed of having my own studio, and this opportunity was twofold. I knew I could have the studio I’d always dreamed of—which is what I was doing when you walked in, giving lessons—which is exciting for me. But also, I love being part of a community. Taking over this business was a way to be part of a community in a different way that I found exciting. I’ve always been into music, but this is a way I can work with the community, and provide a resource that not all communities have. That’s what drove me to this business.

Piggybacking on that, what made you want to acquire and take over Tone Music instead of starting your own company?

Especially in the music industry, music stores are kind of a dying art. Taking over one that’s already well established was the way to go. Starting one would be very risky. I know this community is supportive of the arts and music, and supportive in general of local businesses. That led me to believe I could do it. I had thought about starting my own studio, but finding the location and how to do it—this presented itself. It’s in a great location, and what I needed was here. That lined up.

What resources did you take advantage of here in Owatonna, and through the Owatonna Area Business Development Center?

I worked with you. You were my first to go-to. Mark Kuklok is the instrument repair business downstairs. He has his own business, but I trusted him and knew I’d be working with him. His business helps mine, and vice versa. You two were the first people I spent time with deciding if this was plausible. From there, I knew I needed money. Profinium Bank helped me, and so did SMIF. I worked with them—they helped with more money to get started. Those were the big ones. I reached out to Jim Kozan in Waseca—he owns Waseca Music. He’s been around as long as Jerry Busser was here. I learned business stuff from them. In town, the Owatonna business community is amazing. I spent a lot of time going to meetings—like the Owatonna Business Partnership. They've been great to work with. I learned a lot working with others. I got help from the Chamber, and since I’m downtown, from Lisa Cochran. Tons of support in this community for business owners. And I got an EDA loan to help with the inside. I have thoughts for the outside, but that’s down the road.

Awesome. What’s your favorite part of owning your own business?

Working with the community. It’s fun to see people come in and out. Music is a huge part of my life, and I get to spread it in a different way—through lessons or sending someone out with a new instrument. That gives me a lot of excitement. The people that are a part of my business bring me joy.

Sip & Uke is a fun way to get adults to try new things. About half the people have never touched a ukulele. I’ve had people from young adults to women in their 80s. One now plays every night. It’s exciting to see people try something new. A lot of people think they can’t make music because they can’t read it, but they can. You can make music even without a background. It’s fun, and they spend time with me. About 80% come back—either for another class, to buy something, or they’ve sent a relative. Some have started lessons because of it. It’s become my favorite part of the week. We’re hoping to expand into other local businesses. I’m meeting with MSB—we’ll try to expand to MSB and the wine bar. It supports them and me.

Do you have any other events?

We’ve been doing a lot of younger kid events, like Saturday morning Music & Me—parents or grandparents can come and make music with little ones. That’s growing. This summer we had different programs. I’m hoping to do more during the school year. It’s harder with schedules, but next summer I plan to have more classes. It looks like I’ll be working with Community Ed, so we can coordinate better and get the word out. I’m trying to offer more—guitar, ukulele, group classes—for all ages. Everyone can learn. It’s fun.

They seem more accessible than jumping into a full guitar or drum set. What do you wish you’d known before you started? Or what would you have done differently?

The hardest part has been all the unknown expenses. Taking over a business, there were things I had to fix or redo. That added costs I didn’t foresee. I wish I’d been more aware. There are also lots of other unknown expenses—like paying royalties to play music, or memberships. I should have been more aware. But how do you know until you know? That’s what I’d tell new business owners—there will be things that come up.

Last question—what’s next? What are you excited about?

I’m excited to keep seeing this grow. It’s been a year, and we’re finding a better flow. I’ve got a couple employees helping. We do rentals for the schools—this year went better than last. Five years from now, things will run smoother. I want this to be a place that’s community-driven. I want people in and out, making music. The hard part this year was getting the space ready. Now that it’s done, I’m excited to build on it. I see the growth coming—we just need to get there.

You can learn more and follow Tone Music on their website. This interview was edited for length and clarity.