We had the good fortune of connecting with Shai Ashkenazi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shai, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Everyone has a different approach to risk taking. In reality, every decision you’ll make on a daily basis involves a certain degree of risk. However, by taking one you are making an initiative to do something that may bring you a reward, or if not, will still teach you a valuable lesson. So, in a way, taking a risk is a win win. I take risks daily and those risks I took over the years have led me to where I am now. If you’ll do nothing, you most likely go nowhere, and if you like where you are, well, just don’t take any risks…

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Me and my partner Tommy Kay have started this business in 2012. After years of experience in buying and selling vintage and used guitars, we have taken a huge risk. Two newly met strangers decided to open a Brick and Mortar guitar shop in the midst of a historic recession. We heard a lot of doubtful concerns from others but with the support of our spouses and our combined drive and passion to make it work, we did. There are many reasons as to why this whole thing worked and many people to thank, but the main reason and what sets us apart as a guitar shop, is the fact that we are straight up, extremely honest and, at the very least, trying to be nice to everyone we deal with. Money is important for a business to survive, but relationships are what lead a business to thrive. If you treat your customers, employees and vendors well, everything else will work itself out. In simpler words, don’t be a Dick…

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Business partner Tommy Kay My wife Bee

Website: Imperialvintageguitars.com

Instagram: Imperial_vintage

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imperialvintageguitars/

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/imperial-vintage-guitars-sherman-oaks-2?sort_by=date_desc

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/ImperialVintageGuitars

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