Don Rosenberg - Franchise Consultant
North Carolina
On May 21st, 1979 Don Rosenberg had a busy day. He celebrated his 22nd birthday, graduated from the University of Virginia, and opened a used record store called The Record Exchange in his hometown of Roanoke, Virginia. A year later he opened a second store in Greensboro, North Carolina and another six months after that in Winston-Salem. At the age of 28 he was honored in Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the US (#373). Over 27 years he expanded to 15 stores in North Carolina and Virginia and sold over $100 million worth of music.
The ability to make perfect copies of CD on your personal computer and downloading of music for free spelled the end of the retail music industry. In 2007 he started a new business, Instant Organic Garden, which installed raised bed vegetable gardens for busy families with small back yards. “You can’t download a garden!” he said. He used an affiliate model to expand his business to several new cities.
Don’s 27 years of experience with retail operations gives him a unique background in all aspects of creating and expanding a business. He has researched hundreds of retail locations for his music stores, overseen all aspects of store openings, and is well-versed in all aspects of retail operations including computer systems, website creation, social media, graphics, marketing, public relations and video creation.
Don has written three books, two on gardening, and one for business networking “60 Seconds to an UNFORGETTABLE Elevator Speech.” He gives workshops and seminars for businesses of all types.
Don’s favorite pastime is dancing Argentine Tango with his wife, Dena, and travels all over the world to attend festivals and events. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up taking his 30 second dance lesson!
