We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelly & Michael Sacco a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly & Michael , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

We grew fond of our new hometown after enduring personal setbacks, and decided it was time to merge our lives. During a guided meditation, we stumbled upon a lively farmers market in Woodstock, IL, instantly connecting with the community. That moment sparked our decision to relocate to this charming small town.

Upon settling in, we noticed a glaring absence of a nearby record store, which gave us pause as passionate collectors. But instead of packing up, we saw an opportunity to fill this void and contribute something meaningful. We recognized a community of art and music enthusiasts who seemed underserved, particularly amidst an aging folk music scene. Evaluating our finances, we took the leap to establish our own record shop.

For us, it wasn’t just about selling records; it was about creating connections among like-minded individuals, providing a sanctuary for emerging musicians, and showcasing art that resonated with our identity. Our first event aimed modestly to sell ten records, but we quickly realized there was a hunger for the eclectic music we loved. What started as a small pop-up swiftly evolved into a spacious 1100-square-foot record store within a year, reflecting the community’s enthusiastic response.

Central to our approach was crafting an inviting space reminiscent of our own living room. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a cozy seating area focused around a quality record player, adorned with soft lighting, candles, and concert posters. This deliberate layout underscores our commitment to fostering community—a place where people can forge meaningful connections.

Our journey was driven by a shared desire for belonging and a belief that others like us were seeking a similar refuge. We found them, and our shop quickly became a gathering place for those seeking camaraderie, where mutual support and a shared passion for music and art flourish. Today, we continue to welcome newcomers, nurturing an inclusive environment where everyone can find a sense of home.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

When asked about the uniqueness of our record store, our response is straightforward: it’s all about the atmosphere. We’ve all conjured up an image of a record store: a dusty space with a musty odor, old records piled in disarray. That’s not our vision of authenticity. Our store is meticulously designed—a clean, inviting environment, predominantly stocked with new records. Any used inventory undergoes thorough cleaning and re-sleeving before it graces our shelves. We carry high-quality audio equipment that is easy to understand and use. We offer simple basics and instructions for caring for records.

Inclusivity was paramount in our approach. We respect all levels of musical knowledge and preferences. We offer straightforward, high-quality audio equipment that doesn’t demand extensive expertise to appreciate. Most importantly, we actively seek and incorporate suggestions for new inventory, reflecting the diverse tastes of our community through weekly restocks. This simple practice ensures that our store represents the community at large, not just those who own it.

How’d you meet your business partner?

We first crossed paths at a Lawrence Arms concert at the Metro in Chicago—a chance encounter in the crowd that sparked an instant connection. This chance meeting blossomed into a lasting friendship and eventually evolved into a committed relationship. The Lawrence Arms was one of the few bands that bridged our eclectic yet distinct musical preferences, making them incredibly meaningful to us.

Fortuitously, we had the privilege of hosting Brendan Kelly, the singer of the Lawrence Arms, for a live show at our record store on the very evening of our wedding. It was a fortuitous alignment of events that underscored the band’s profound influence on our lives.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Opening a record store was our recurring daydream during tough times: “Let’s quit our jobs and open a record store!” But reality kept us grounded. We both maintain full-time jobs while also running the record store, which is open six days a week for over 50 hours. Occasionally, our children pitch in when our work schedules overlap, though balancing everything is far from simple.

Maintaining financial independence from the store is crucial to us. Our decisions prioritize what’s best for the shop and the community, not maximizing profits. We reinvest all earnings back into the business, foregoing personal payouts. This approach reflects our commitment to the store’s long-term growth and sustainability.

Looking ahead, our aspiration is to eventually scale back our other jobs, possibly transitioning to part-time work or even retiring gracefully, all while continuing to nurture our role as the beloved elders at the record store. It’s a vision we’re steadily working towards, fueled by our passion for music and community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.recordsdepartmentwoodstock.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_records_department/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therecordsdepartment

Image Credits

Lindsay Tuller (Redwood Sage Photography) for the two photos of Michael & Kelly