Half a century in hi-fi

Not many hi-fi dealerships can say they've survived half a century of history. Natural Sound, which is based in Framingham, Massachusetts, about 20 miles west of Boston, is one that can.

- BY JULIE MULLINS

Founded by Jim Lackey in 1975, Natural Sound turns 50 years old this November. Lackey continues as the company's owner and president, though General Manager Pete Chinigo manages everyday business. In a recent conversation with Chinigo, I learned more about how business is going and what it takes for a hi-fi store—Natural Sound and others—to continue surviving into an uncertain future.

First some background. Way back in the 1980s, Chinigo bought a stereo system from Natural Sound. He was in his mid-teens. He then worked part-time at the dealership when he was in college. Three years ago, he returned to the area following a career change. He accepted a sales role, which quickly turned into a management role.

Both Chinigo and Lackey are alumni of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, Massachusetts, which is known for its engineering programs. Chinigo told me that Lackey started in the hi-fi business selling gear out of his dorm room at WPI. “He had a ‘JVC Sold Here’ sign outside of his door,” Chinigo said. “That’s where it all started.” Eventually, in his senior year, Lackey was kicked off campus for doing it. “No one was allowed to make a profit on their nonprofit soil. They objected to that.”