Chicagoland Company Finds Antidote to Bad Economy: Great Service
Double-digit growth for Chicagoland school music dealer draws national attention
Aurora, IL, March 13, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Today’s economic conditions look an awful lot like those in the early eighties when PM Music Center was established: US markets in turmoil, school budget cuts and frightened consumers. That’s why owners Frank and Julie Pampenella are confident that their tried and true customer-centered strategies and practices will succeed. And maybe that’s why nationally published Music Inc. Magazine chose PM Music Center as an example for a beleaguered industry.
In the past three years, the company has focused on investing in and leveraging technology to improve customer services. Automation and the internet have increased speed and efficiencies, while lowering expenses. However, great service still depends upon the willingness to make the extra effort. Julie Pampenella, co-owner and vice president, defines service simply: “If you say you’re going to do something, make sure it gets done.”
Frank Pampenella insists that ownership’s direct involvement is the key. Julie leads a small, dedicated team of customer service staff in the store and on the phones, while Frank continues to make some of the weekly school calls. Stories of special deliveries to accommodate a single customer or director are commonplace at PM Music Center. According to Frank, “When somebody calls in, they know we’ll respond to them.”
“This is a great community for music,” said Pampenella, whose business covers more than 200 individual schools ranging from 50 miles north of Aurora to the Indiana border. Investment in the right technology and people has resulted in steady growth over the past 10 years. The company is poised to weather a more uncertain future, but Frank Pampenella admits, “We’ve got to work a lot harder to make it happen.”
PM Music Center is dedicated to providing cost effective and worry-free services to students, families, educators, schools and organizations that participate in, encourage and support music education. PM Music Center, established in 1982, is a leading Chicagoland school music dealer, specializing in the rentals, sales, repairs and lessons for school band and orchestral instruments.
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For more information, or to schedule an interview with owners Frank and Julie Pampenella, please contact Michael Schaner at 630-978-9927
For reprints or permissions contact Zach Phillips at 630-941-2030
In the past three years, the company has focused on investing in and leveraging technology to improve customer services. Automation and the internet have increased speed and efficiencies, while lowering expenses. However, great service still depends upon the willingness to make the extra effort. Julie Pampenella, co-owner and vice president, defines service simply: “If you say you’re going to do something, make sure it gets done.”
Frank Pampenella insists that ownership’s direct involvement is the key. Julie leads a small, dedicated team of customer service staff in the store and on the phones, while Frank continues to make some of the weekly school calls. Stories of special deliveries to accommodate a single customer or director are commonplace at PM Music Center. According to Frank, “When somebody calls in, they know we’ll respond to them.”
“This is a great community for music,” said Pampenella, whose business covers more than 200 individual schools ranging from 50 miles north of Aurora to the Indiana border. Investment in the right technology and people has resulted in steady growth over the past 10 years. The company is poised to weather a more uncertain future, but Frank Pampenella admits, “We’ve got to work a lot harder to make it happen.”
PM Music Center is dedicated to providing cost effective and worry-free services to students, families, educators, schools and organizations that participate in, encourage and support music education. PM Music Center, established in 1982, is a leading Chicagoland school music dealer, specializing in the rentals, sales, repairs and lessons for school band and orchestral instruments.
###
For more information, or to schedule an interview with owners Frank and Julie Pampenella, please contact Michael Schaner at 630-978-9927
For reprints or permissions contact Zach Phillips at 630-941-2030
Contact
PM Music Center
Michael Schaner
630-978-9927
www.pmmusiccenter.com
Michael Schaner
630-978-9927
www.pmmusiccenter.com
Contact
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