Lansing guitar store Elderly Instruments named nation's top small business

Ken Palmer, Lansing State Journal
Updated ·2 min read

LANSING — An iconic Lansing business and long-time mecca for guitarists and other musicians has been named the nation's top small business by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The national chamber chose Elderly Instruments for its 2023 Top Small Business award.

"Elderly Instruments won the Chamber's America's Top Small Business award for its ability to embrace change, adapt to new challenges, and constantly innovate while remaining true to the company's 50-year legacy and heritage," the chamber said in a news release.

Elderly's, as it's commonly known, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. It opened in an East Lansing basement but has been on North Washington Avenue in Lansing's Old Town neighborhood for most of its existence.

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The legendary acoustic guitar room at Elderly Instruments in Lansing, which featuring a wide-array of some of their high-end custom acoustic guitars, seen Friday, July 1, 2022. Elderly celebrates 50 years in Lansing on July 5.
The legendary acoustic guitar room at Elderly Instruments in Lansing, which featuring a wide-array of some of their high-end custom acoustic guitars, seen Friday, July 1, 2022. Elderly celebrates 50 years in Lansing on July 5.

The store buys, sells, trades, consigns and repairs fretted instruments and has a reputation as a go-to destination for vintage instruments. The business has more than 40 employees and "recently implemented new, employee-driven core values" to anchor its culture, the U.S. Chamber said.

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Second-generation CEO Lillian Werbin was handed a check for $25,000 at an awards dinner Thursday in Washington D.C., the chamber said.

"As we celebrate Elderly Instruments — a beacon of excellence in the music retail world and beloved in Old Town Lansing — we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses across America," Suzanne Clark, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber, said in the news release. "Their growth and continued success are built on a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and investing in their employees."

The other six finalists for the top award were Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals LLC, of Anchorage, Alaska; Calgo Gardens, of Howell, New Jersey; P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle And You, of San Francisco, California; River Rock Outfitter, of Fredericksburg, Virginia; Shakopee Brewhall — Taproom & Coffee House, of Shakopee, Minnesota; and Waggin' Tails Pet Ranch, of Fulshear, Texas.

Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBPalm_lsj

Elderly Instruments CEO and co-founder Stan Werbin, 75, and daughter Lillian, 31, the president of the company, or as her business card reads: "Stan's Right Hand," pictured Friday, July 1, 2022, in front of their new, used, and vintage musical instrument store. Elderly celebrates 50 years in Lansing on July 5.
Elderly Instruments CEO and co-founder Stan Werbin, 75, and daughter Lillian, 31, the president of the company, or as her business card reads: "Stan's Right Hand," pictured Friday, July 1, 2022, in front of their new, used, and vintage musical instrument store. Elderly celebrates 50 years in Lansing on July 5.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Lansing guitar store Elderly Instruments named nation's top small business