Meet Tim Polestra, the Musician Who Turned a Resale Store into a Community Hub
The walls of Tim Polestra's office at his Music Go Round store in Stockton, CA, are lined with shelves of vinyl records and CDs. The place is bursting with musical equipment and electronic gear. Guitars seem to be everywhere. Venture into the store and you'll likely find a team member setting up for an in-store concert or shooting a reel for social media.
Tim has been a member of the Music Go Round team for 28 years, the last eight as store manager. This year, he became one of the newest Music Go Round franchise owners in the Winmark[MF1] portfolio of resale retail brands (Once Upon A Child, Plato's Closet, Music Go Round, Style Encore and Play It Again Sports).
A Special Vibe Centered on Music
It's clear from the store's constant buzz that something special is happening here. A quick scroll through Music Go Round Stockton's social media (Instagram: @musicgoroundstockton, Facebook: Music Go Round – Stockton, CA) reveals a vibrant and active music scene that also happens to sell high-quality used instruments and gear. Look around and you'll see people of every age and background sharing Tim's passion for music.
“I picked up my first instrument when I was 12 years old,” Tim says. “And I've been super involved in the Stockton music scene ever since, both with this store and my own gigs.” The Stockton native explains that his city is one of the most diverse communities in the country. “You wouldn't think this place has much of a music scene, but the underground vibe is actually thriving. There are so many cultural influences here, and they all have music in common.”
Stockton’s Music Go Round has played a significant role in strengthening the foundation of the area's independent music community, Tim explains. “I've been here 28 years, and I can definitely say the store is an essential part of not only the music scene, but also the community itself. People come together here unlike anywhere else I've seen in town.”
Retail Store as Community Hub
Tim has worked hard to create an accepting, supportive, and fun atmosphere in the store, and he credits his team for taking that intention to the next level. The same is true for online sales. “Our e-commerce manager has really created something special for those who can't get into the store. ”
He's just as excited about the store's social media presence. “We're very targeted in our socials. We do some pretty crazy stuff, but it reflects our passion for music and always comes back to the gear and the in-store experience. Our customers love it.”
The Music Go Round store in Stockton is one of the brand's oldest locations, and Tim has been part of its culture for almost three decades. “We love our customers. They call us when they need bandmates. They bring their gear in to be repaired or trade in for an upgrade. Their kids hang out here. We've become so much more than a store — it's a community center. And it's so cool to be surrounded by your friends in the store,” he says.
The store recently reinforced its position within the community with “Round Sound,” a social media video series spotlighting local musicians. Mini-concerts, insider tips, gear insights, and good storytelling keep the audience engaged — and everyone participates. “Tim Time Tuesday” is the owner's own recurring reel highlighting what's happening in the store.
One of the coolest things Tim's team has undertaken is featuring local artists and bands in store. “This is a great series. It gets folks in the door and solidifies our place at the center of this community. It's become a 'thing' for the local crowd.”
Passion Drives Success
Talking to Tim and visiting the Stockon location drives home the fact that passion is really at the core of this thriving community. “We're in control of the store's atmosphere,” says Tim. “I ask myself, ‘What can we do to make this better?’ That's always my starting point, and you can see how the results have been a chain reaction.”
“You can't do this every day if you don't love it,” he continues. “For me, it's part of who I am, and I'm part of what it's become. I love my job and I love this place.”
The last two years have been record years for the store, and Tim and his crew work hard to meet customer demand. “Community is the reason people come here. They could buy their instruments somewhere else, but our customers share our passion, and they want to be part of what's happening here. It's a great place to be!”
Own a Store Rooted in Community
If you have a passion for building community through a sustainable franchise business model, owning a Winmark resale retail store may be for you. We're always looking for people who share our entrepreneurial passions. Contact us now to get the conversation started.