The newest shop to open in Maplewood—Top Notch Violins—sells violins, cellos and basses.
Proprietor, Steve Nowels decided to open the shop, at 3109 Sutton Boulevard, the former Turner Center for the Arts address, after eight years in the business in St. Louis.
He asked his former boss for a cost of living increase in June and was fired instead.
Nowels said he considered job offers from other shops but didn’t think they offered the level of customer service that he likes.
He and a partner considered opening their own place.
“What’s stopping us from starting our own shop? Capital,” Nowels said. “Put a business plan together in about two weeks. Started raising money—got $185,000 in 14 days.”
Backing came from “people who know me in the community, and they put their money where their mouth was because they believe in this business,” Nowels said.
The shop has its own brand, Top Notch Violins, for rental quality instruments, mainly for school orchestras. He said Clayton, Webster Groves and other nearby schools have orchestras, and endorse the shop.
“I feel like Maplewood is a great place to locate, it’s centrally located,” he said. “I wish there was an orchestra program at Maplewood (MRH) – hint, hint.”
See also: Maplewood business been drawing customers nationwide since 1995
He’ll also carry consignments from individual makers and individuals, some from as far away as New York.
They’ll have imports too. “The nice thing about being in business for yourself, you can get all the best stuff from all the best suppliers.”
Top Notch Violins hours: Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or by appointment. (314) 696-2172
I just can’t get this guy’s situation off my mind because i found It so up-lifting. He was fired and rather than
settling for unemployment, he started his own business.. This inspiring news should be on the front page of the Post Dispatch to encourage others. America was built that way. There is still a lot of work (opportunity)
out there.
I’m really liking this–does he consider used ones for trade up/in?
Sure. I will consider trade ins.
M-RH had a fine orchestra program years ago–bringing it back would add to the excellence the district has demonstrated in recent years!
Any parents wanna help champion this? I will help out however I can. I love to be of service to the community where we work.
Congradulations! This guy is an example of what made America great. ‘Start your own business’. That is the American way.
Thank you, so much. Thank you too, Doug Minor!
He does violas, too. Steve is a great guy He is extremely honest and will treat customers well.
Thank you for the kind words, Gary.
Best of luck to you Steve. My good friend, Jerry Cherry, jazz bassist for 50+ years and bass fiddle craftsman had a shop where the Maplewood Chamber office is now
It will be nice to have someone carry on the tradition.
I love, Jerry. Miss him dearly. He was a great help to me putting a bass back together that was in pieces sho i could study on it. Ah, the good ole days. I hope to carry on in that tradition.
Another cool business in the Maplewood…….love it. Momentum sure seems to be on our side……keep them (new biz) coming.
Thumbs up to that. Maplewood is hip!
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