Business name: Briz Loan & Guitar.
Owner: Matt Brislawn.
Address: 506 Washington St.
What the business does: A musical instrument-specialty pawn shop. Briz Loan & Guitar buys, sells and trades musical instruments, including guitars, amplifiers, keyboards, synthesizers, drums, brass instruments and studio gear. Brislawn also has a sister business, Reverb Rehearsal Studios, which rents band rehearsal rooms by the month 365 days a year.
How has the economy affected your business: Matt Brislawn said he has had record-breaking sales in 2009 and this year. He believes people are trying to save money by buying second-hand equipment rather than buying something new. Brislawn said he gets a lot of repeat business from loyal customers.
Greatest challenge: Parking is his biggest challenge. More activity in the downtown area causes parking difficulties.
What’s ahead: Brislawn said he would like to partner with Mr. G’s, a local music instructor, to establish a program to provide instruments and lessons to local disabled children.
