Last Saturday at Tony V's Garage, Tommy's Guitar Shop celebrated their 10 year anniversary in Everett with a night of rock & roll, beers and burgers. We caught up with the owner (Tommy) shortly before the show and chatted about guitars, his shop and all-things Everett.

Dude! 10 years! How does it feel? 

It feels amazing. I’m not college educated and never went to business school. I survived the economic crash, have had steady growth each year and I am blessed with the best employees anyone could ever have. The relationships I have made over the 10 years mean the most to me. 

How’d you get into the guitar business anyway? 

I started playing guitar at the age of 14. From that day forward guitar and music became my world. I have played in bands almost from day one. I worked at a local guitar shop starting around 1990 or so. I worked my way up the ladder and for the final 5 years or so I was running the operation. By this time I had a good idea what it would take to get a shop launched. I waited for the right opportunity and jumped on it the second it came my way.

So this opportunity is how you ended up opening up a brick and mortar guitar shop in Everett? 

Yes, a friend of mine had been occupying the space I’m now in. He had a tiny guitar shop set up that he treated more like a club house than an actual business. The location was perfect and I knew if I was to get in I would kick ass.

Are you glad you opened your business in Everett? 

Hell yeah! I love Everett. I will never leave this city. I love the people, the city, and all that comes with it.

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in Everett since opening 10 years ago? 

The city continues to grow in a positive direction. It has cleaned up a lot in the past 10 years. I have watched the art community grow, and I have seen new developments that will bring in more people. When I moved to Everett I called her a diamond in the rough. The diamond is starting to shine.

What do you think about the Everett music scene? 

I find the music scene in Everett to be at an exciting point right now. There are MANY talented musicians and bands in Everett. The Everett Music Initiative has been very helpful in bringing more attention to the scene and supporting local music. It’s a good time to be a musician/artist in Everett.

Are your customers mostly from Everett?

I would say that Snohomish County customers are the primary. We also draw lots of people in from all around the Puget Sound region. We see lots of Canadian customers, plus we sell online to customers all over the world. 

You sell guitars and general guitar 'stuff' (amps, pedals etc.) but what about lessons? Do you offer lessons? 

Yes. We have three amazing guitar instructors that teach in store. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to learn or expand their repertoire.

Tell us about the bands you play in? 

I have been playing guitar in Whiskey River, Americas #1 Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute for the past eight years, and I am also playing guitar in a brand new band, Fever 103 a tribute to Foreigner.

What do you think the future holds for Tommy and Tommy’s Guitar Shop? 

More guitars, more amps and lots of stomp boxes.  The future looks bright. I’m excited to see what the next 10 years bring. I know one thing, it will always be fun and exciting. Lets get real – I own and work at a guitar shop. What’s not to like? I’m a fortunate dude.

Tommy's Guitar Shop is located at 1911 Hewitt Ave. Visit their website here.