Meet James Withrow of Jaws Guitars in Canton

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Withrow.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Jaw’s Guitars started in 1999 in Deltona, Fl.

My first job at a music store in Orlando, FL. was at Warehouse Music when I was 18. I loved it and dreamed of having my own store someday. Anyway, many years passed and the opportunity for my own store finally came. In 1999, with the help of my wife, Connie, we took a gamble and got a second mortgage on our house and opened the store. It was very small at 500sq ft. but, within two years we grew into a 1500sq ft. storefront. It was great!

Then, in 2005, we decided we wanted to leave Florida and move to north Georgia. So, we put our business and home up for sale. Fast forward to 2007, we opened Jaws Guitars in Canton, Ga. Now, ten years later, we are growing every year.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There are always bumps in the road when you are running a business. We were just getting started in our new location in Fl. when 9/11 happened. That really put a halt to retail business for some time. The music retail business has really never fully recovered from pre 9/11 sales numbers.

We also opened here in Canton at the end of 2007, just before the Great Recession hit in 2008 so, it has been a bit of a struggle at times but, that’s just life.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jaws Guitars – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We sell new and pre-owned guitars, drums, amps, pedals, and accessories. We carry quality products for every musician from beginner to pro. I love being around guitars and talking shop with my customers. Our customers know they can shop the best, high quality products when they come in.

We carry pre-owned Gibson, Paul Reed Smith, Fender, and many other guitar brands. We are also proud to be Authorized Dealers for Tom Anderson Guitarworks, Godin & Seagull guitars, Laney Amplifiers, Tech 21 Amps and Pedals, Xotic Pedals, Mad Professor Pedals, Mooer Pedals, Cast Engineering Pedals Rowin Pedals, Rocktron Pedals and many more.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are planning a move to a larger location in Cherokee county. Hwy 20 road expansion construction at our current location will force a move within the next year or so.

Contact Info:

• Address: Jaws Guitars
  4251 Cumming Highway,
  Canton, GA 30115
• Website: www.jawsguitar.com
• Phone: 770-479-0253
• Email: jawsguitars@yahoo.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jawsguitars

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