CD Tradepost, Inc., a Washburn SBDC success story

Kansas Small Business Development Center

The KSBDC assisted CD Tradepost to get started
and grow, including:

  • Workshops & Seminars
  • One-on-one counseling including startup and marketing advice
  • Assistance identifying entrepreneurial resources, referrals, and networking
2005 Existing Business of the Year
Name of Business CD Tradepost Inc.
Nature of Business Retailer of pre-owned entertainment products
Owner Dennis Strobel, Founder and President
Location 828 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66612
Phone 785-233-0675
Website www.cdtradepost.com
Business Structure S-Corp
Business Began October 23, 1998
Employees at Start Up 3
Employees in 2005 95
Start Up Capital $50,000
Source of Initial Capital $30,000 Bank Loan
KSBDC Counselor Washburn University KSBDC Staff
CD Trade Post

Dennis Strobel, the founder and President of CD Tradepost, recognized entrepreneurial opportunity in the premise that one person’s noise is music to another person’s ears. Started in 1998, CD Tradepost – a buyer and retailer of used CD’s, DVD/VHS movies, video games and game systems – now stands at 23 retail stores, in 14 communities across 5 states.

A serial entrepreneur with a passion for small business, Dennis started CD Tradepost after looking for a retail concept that would have broad demand and one easy to replicate. At the time, there were a few used CD stores around the country, but the concept was relatively new. He took the risk that the usefulness and popularity of pre-owned music and movie products would grow.

The drive to continue innovating didn’t stop with the first store. “You have to be ready, willing, and able to adapt at all times”, advises Dennis. He has continued to do so by hiring good people and implementing quality procedures and systems, such as the proprietary software that helps the business manage pricing and inventory. Dennis sees continued opportunity for growth as the market changes.

His advice to prospective entrepreneurs, “All small-business owners must have an over-the-top passion for the product or service they provide. They need a good market analysis. They must determine whether there is consumer demand for the product or service. They must analyze the competition.” Dennis added, “But to grow a company, to expand to multiple locations, to develop a multi-state brand, you need the same over-the-top passion, not just for the product or service, but for the company you have built.” Well said.