The Media Rerun crew, (from left) Jesse Pinkerton, John Judkins and Larry Pinkerton
Most everyone likes to be entertained; and most everyone likes finding a good deal. So the next time you’re out Rutherford Boulevard way, stop by Media Rerun. You may find an affordable and enjoyable book, CD, video game or movie, and a great group of friendly and hardworking Murfreesboro entrepreneurs. But be careful; in addition to five DVDs for $20, you may find yourself engaged in a conversation about media, music, politics, local restaurants or life in general with owner Larry Pinkerton, his son Jesse and trusty employee John Judkins.
The store will celebrate its tenth anniversary next year, and offers previously owned entertainment media of all types, music, movies, games and more, plus other items like tapestries, musical instruments and incense.
Media Rerun can also be a source of cash for those finding themselves in a tight financial spot and happen to have a pile of DVDs laying around or if you just want to liquidate that video game system that never gets used. They pay cash or offer store credit for your items that others may be interested in.
Murfreesboro Pulse: How did you get into the retail business?
Larry Pinkerton: We’ve always appreciated the idea of recycling, so why not recycle fun?
Jesse Pinkerton: I started working in the retail field many years ago at stores like Tower records and Best Buy. When rumors first started to circulate of a new Walmart shopping center “College Central,” we started brainstorming and came up with Media Rerun, a store full of fun!
John Judkins: In 2003, Jesse pulled me out of a greasy restaurant and gave me the coolest gig in town!
MP: What challenges have you overcome in starting and growing your business?
LP: Like the rest of the economy, our business began to slow down around 2007. Can’t recall who was President—wink, wink. Then It began to return to normalcy around 2009—again don’t know who the President was then.
JP: Aside from the occasional family squabble, I would have to say, for me, being pulled in too many directions at once! It wears on the skin.
MP: What businesses/people were an inspiration for you?
LP: I’ve always been inspired by businesses that make a fair profit, treat customers fairly and otherwise do no harm. My personal mentor and business model would be Auston “Pinky” Davis. I taught guitar and worked at his music shop in Shelbyville for years and he was like a father to me. I love that man. He treated everyone, yes, everyone who walked through his door with respect.
JP: I can make this short and sweet, Judy L. Goldie (Phase II, Trendy Pieces and Bella’s Boutique). I had the pleasure of working for Judy for a couple years, She’s the bomb! Business smarts and a great big heart. Anyone would benefit from her wisdom; she taught me a lot.
MP: What’s your favorite part of running your business?
LP: Charging people more than an item is worth. Seriously, we have a great staff and that makes it fun.
JJ: Working with some of my best friends and meeting unique people who are trading in unique items. Also, getting to throw away Donny Osmond albums every few months.
JP: I get to hang out with the people who mean the most to me. Where else could you work with your parents, wife and one of my best friends? Not to mention all the goodies I get to take home!
MP: What’s your least favorite part?
LP: Having to pay the staff, no, again I digress—paying bills is our least favorite.
JJ: Trying to keep up with and sorting through all the trade-in inventory we get on a daily basis. It can get a little frustrating when you know you have an item somewhere but just can’t find it because it might be hidden under a stack of DVDs or Barry Manilow records!
JP: Walmart next door siphoning the money out of everyone!
The Media Rerun staff frequently researches items on the Internet to learn more about how much to pay, and where to price, collectibles and media.
MP: Who are your customers?
LP: Mainly good folks looking for a good deal.
JJ: College students looking for incense and tapestries and rascally wild kids with their parents looking for DVDs and video games.
JP: People going through the day-to-day grind looking for something to take home and wind down too.
MP: What is your advice to someone starting a business?
LP: Win the lottery.
JP: Don’t get overzealous. Think it through carefully and never be afraid to change it up. Find your niche and do it.
MP: How are you getting the word out about your business?
LP: Nothing spreads the word like giving somebody a good deal—and The Pulse of course!
JJ: I play a lot of music around town and I usually get into a conversation with someone about gear, games or movies. I end up sending them over this way to get a good deal on something.
JP: Networking, baby! I say let your character do the talking. If you can connect with people about something that they show interest in or seem to care about, you’ve got ’em. If that doesn’t work there’s always the mafia, they can be very . . . persuasive.
For more on Media Rerun, look them up on Facebook, call (615) 907-0901 or stop in the store at 2820 S. Rutherford Blvd.
