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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 33 M AY 1 3 , 2 0 2 4 S M A L L B U S I N E S S record collections. To make it easier to find rare records for cheap, he discovered that he could also make decent money selling the stuff he no longer wanted. While picking through records at a thrift store, Robles met his now-business partner, Andrew Chang. Chang started Moody Lords in 2010, and Robles decided to join the business. Moody Lords, now co-owned by Robles, Chang and Morgan Newell, is one of more than a dozen stores in Maine selling new or used vinyl records. More than half a dozen of those are in Portland. "Since then, we have developed a reputation for paying fair prices for record collections, so we get calls or walk-ins frequently," says Robles. Moody Lords, whose annual sales are in the low six figures, has a variety of customers, some of whom have been collecting for years, some search- ing out expensive rarities, and folks of all ages just getting into creating their own vinyl collections. "Another customer worked at a record store across the street from us decades ago, and he almost always reaches us on bicycle, even in winter," says Robles. "We have also consis- tently had numerous DJs visit us, some of whom travel quite far to buy soul records to play live." "ere is one customer who used to shop at a store called Recordland, which was located decades ago just about where we are now," he contin- ues. "He is extremely passionate about Beatles records and 45 [rpm record] picture sleeves for the cover art band photos and the record does not have to be present." Alexis Wells, Mainebiz staff writer, can be reached at awells @ mainebiz.biz At NBT Bank, our goal is to help you reach yours. Our relationship managers provide the expert guidance and custom solutions it takes to help grow your business. Our local commitment builds strong, long-lasting partnerships that maximize your potential for success. Capital and Treasury Management Solutions Fraud Protection & Secure Banking Solutions Local Perspective & Decision Making Let our experienced Maine commercial banking team create real opportunity for your business. Cameron McKague, Timothy McMachen, Ashley Gagnon, Jeremy Deering, Michael O'Reilly, Mark Schaub, Joseph Luciano, Kimberly Twitchell, Charles Mathews Member FDIC nbtbank.com/me I didn't have a turntable yet, but I was surprised and fascinated that records were still being manufactured, so I bought it anyway. — Nick Robles Moody Lords P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY F O C U S People shop for vinyl records at Electric Buddhas in Portland.

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