Life & Work with Darnel “Mooch” Howell of Riverdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darnel “Mooch” Howell.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I graduated Wesleyan University and worked in corporate America; my brother D. Tobago Benito owned the record store DBS Sounds in Georgia. The store was a pillar in the College Park community; in-store events, customer appreciation parties, Freestyle Fridays, etc.. I decided to move to Georgia to assist with the store’s expansion. I started as a Retail Clerk and quickly moved to Manager position, managing up to 5 people. Through the years, technology has changed customers consumption of music. We saw the gradual switch of customers purchasing physical products (CDs, Cassettes, Vinyl records) to streaming music. We adapted and focused on customer retention, in-store events, social media marketing and on-line sales. After the pandemic; we saw the resurgence of physical products again. Customers are starting or adding to their vinyl/cd collection. My role as Store Operation & E-Commerce Manager oversee all facets of daily operations, including logistics, supply chain management, and inventory control. I also lead E-Commerce strategies and digital applications to increase engagement and revenue.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road; we had some struggles along the way. Through the years, technology has changed customers consumption of music. We saw the switch from customers purchasing physical products (CDs, Cassettes, Vinyl records) to streaming music. We lost some customers due to streaming companies. Also, some of the newer vehicles stopped making cd components. Everyone drives in Georgia; so the lack of the cd component in new vehicles hurt sales. Customers moved from the vicinity of the store; which caused some regular customers to come in to the store occasionally or not at all.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My role as Store Operation & E-Commerce Manager oversee all facets of daily operations, including logistics, supply chain management, and inventory control. I also lead E-Commerce strategies and digital applications to increase engagement and revenue. I’m known for helping customers with physical (CDs, cassettes, Vinyl records) music consumption. I’m also known for listening to customers’ personal stories and giving thoughtful insights. I’m most proud of helping my brother’s small business; I helped a large part of its 31 years existence. I know my relationships with customers set me apart from others. It’s not only about the sale; I engage them, I learn about their story, family, profession. They become part of the family, the DBS Sounds family.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I watch CNBC and CNN (for politics, business, current events). I listening to Earn Your Leisure, The Joe Budden Podcast, any sports channel to follow Georgia teams and my personal favorites. I listen to a lot of financial literacy and religious videos on YouTube. I also allow use X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram for current events. I use Apple Music in the record store to look up music and stay informed on new releases. I’m currently reading “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dbssounds.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darnelkhowell
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darnel-howell-ab271a82/

Image Credits
DBS Sounds