Business of the Month

January 2025 - Business of the Month:

Sound Service, 621 N. Main, Guymon, Okla

Sound Service started in November 1975; 2024 marked 49 years of operation for Sound Service, primarily a RadioShack Dealership. Sound Service has long been known for its knowledge and customer service in regards to consumer electronics.

Founder, Steve Tuttle is retiring, and he wants to sell everything in the store. As of January, everything in the store is 50% off, excluding Traxxas inventory. Steve’s career kickstarted as a Repair Technician in his garage. Steve’s late wife Rita was the IT and book-keeping specialist in the business. Throughout the years, Steve has been active in his community and through organizations such as Guymon Chamber Ambassadors and Main Street Guymon. 

Sound Service has been developing its business transition plan as founder Steve Tuttle will retire from the operation during the first quarter of 2025. His children, Nick Tuttle and Kim Smith will operate the business after Steve’s retirement. 

Only around 30% of family businesses successfully transition from first-generation ownership to second-generation ownership, however, Nick and Kim are excited to transform 7th & Main into a makerspace, a place where technology and community collaboration intersect. Achieving success as a second-generation business owner is considered relatively challenging and requires careful planning and preparation to overcome potential obstacles and respecting the legacy of the founding generation while driving innovation.

Nick managed the store operations recently and has already begun the inventory pivot towards RC/Hobby products in store. Nick continues to carry the knowledge of consumer electronics. His professional technical career includes web, programming and database skills. Nick enjoys a good problem to solve and also volunteers with Main Street Guymon.

Kim’s combination of education and entrepreneur experience allows her to volunteer her time as a project manager with launching Steamcraft Station, the makerspace in development. Kim has also taken an active role in the local community through similar organizations as her father.

A makerspace is defined as a place for people to create, invent, tinker, explore, and discover.

STEAM as an acronym focuses on curriculum with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. The general purpose of the development is to promote collaboration and experiential learning. 

The makerspace is expected to have three areas:

1) general access workstations - complete your own project

2) classroom - schedule topic/supplies provided

3) membership area with project storage and access to specialized tools such as glowforge, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, etc. 

As the community builds, the tools will shift. Smith is looking forward to connecting with current makers in the area that have a special skill set to teach or share through this avenue. The creative opportunities at our fingertips are endless. The makerspace is set to soft launch 6pm-9pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays starting in February 2025. 

Come visit Sound Service and give your input on the next iteration:

2:30-5:30PM - Monday through Friday,

Late until 8PM on Tuesday and Thursday evenings,

10AM-5PM on Saturdays,

All of January, 50% off everything in the store, excluding Traaxas inventory.