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Among the many businesses in downtown Ocala is a small but historic store that sits a few yards off East Silver Springs Boulevard.
In August, the small staff at Parramore Music looks forward to celebrating a milestone: 50 years in business.
Owner John Barrett and his right-hand man and assistant manager, Chris Davis, said it’s a joy to continue providing high-quality service to customers, despite the changing atmosphere facing the retail industry.
“I feel very blessed. Everyone does their job and it makes things easier,” Barrett said.
He said his family has been the bedrock of the business. Parramore Music was founded by Ben Parramore, Barrett’s brother-in-law, and his sister JoAnn Parramore. The couple retired 20 years ago, Barrett said.
When the store opened decades ago, Barrett said, he was the only employee.
The employees
Now, Barrett said, including himself, there is a team of five. They are like an extended family that helps sustain and grow the business.
Aside from Barrett and Davis there are Chip Baskin, Dave Johnson and Alan Kraiker. Each man has been with the business for more than 20 years, Davis and Barrett said.
Baskin is in charge of delivery and moving the products. Kraiker assists Baskin with his job, and Johnson works in the store along with teaching guitar lessons.
Davis runs what’s termed as the combo department, which is a combination of guitars, pianos and other instruments sold in the store.
“We all pull together as one team,” Davis said.
Friendship and family of the five men extends beyond their work week. On weekends, Kraiker and Davis play in a band call Bill’s Toupee.
“We take our music seriously,” Davis said with a smile.
Parramore Music’s history
Before moving to its current site at 304 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Parramore Music was at the same spot where Harry’s Seafood, Bar & Grille is now presently in 1975, Barrett said.
Approximately two years later, Barrett said, former Gov. Buddy McKay and his brother-in-law bought the building along the boulevard. A theater was beside the building and it was demolished to make way for parking spaces. Similar to today, Barrett said, downtown Ocala had a parking issue.
Parramore Music later expanded to the malls (Gainesville and Ocala) along with maintaining its Ocala store. They no longer have a presence in those malls.
Over the years, Barrett said, those connected to the business have adapted and evolved to stay relevant. He said they’re not stuck doing business one way, but rather, embrace how the business has changed while continuing to offer their own unique brand of service.
Parramore Music is a full-line store. It means they have all types of instruments.
“Integrity, knowing our products, and excellent customer service is what we provide,” Davis said.
Added Barrett, “You can’t buy that from the internet.”
An example of how employees at the store show their appreciation for their customers; If you purchase a guitar from the business, then you’re guaranteed full service on the item for free as long as you own it.
Apart from selling musical instruments, the store offers guitar and piano lessons.
What’s next?
As to where Parramore Music will be within the next 50 years? Barrett, now 72, predicts they will still be around.
He said all of them will continue serving customers in Ocala and beyond.
“We’ll still be here,” Barrett said with a laugh.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
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