Dedicated Staff Keep Founder's Dream Alive at Rock-A-Billy's Record Store

They say that good help is hard to find.

This is certainly not the case when it comes to the staff at  record store on Hall Road.

Every person who works at Rock-A-Billy's is there because they want to be, and more importantly, because they love music almost as much as the founder, Bill O'Keefe. 

A passion for music

Some people spend their entire life searching for something to make them happy.

Bill O'Keefe of Warren knew early on that he was not going to settle for anything less than what his heart desired.

O'Keefe worked security at EDS. He didn't quite feel a connection to his work, and decided that he wanted to be his own boss.

O'Keefe always had a passion for music, and with the help of his father he planned to open a record store.

The name was easy enough to think of. After procuring the necessary resources O'Keefe opened the first Rock-A-Billy's in Utica more than 18 years ago.

The store has been at the Hall Road location for half of that time.

Rock-A-Billy's offers an incredible selection of records of every genre. The store also has an impressive array of CD's, and customers have the option to buy and trade records and CD's. 

Friendship

Throughout his time at Rock-A-Billy's, O'Keefe formed lasting friendships with the people who frequented his store. One of these music lovers happens to be Paul Chervenak from Macomb Township.

Paul used to walk into Rock-A-Billy's to browse and purchase records. One day however, Chervenak was laid off from his full-time job. He was left with nothing but an undying love of music.

O'Keefe saw more than just a customer in Chevenak, but a friend in need. He offered Chervenak a job at his store, and more than three years later both Rock-A-Billy's and Chervenak remain on Hall Road in Utica.

When asked what is his favorite type of music, Chervenak said, "Oh, lots of different kinds. I like rock-and-roll. I actually used to have Beatles trading cards." He laughs.

His favorite band? "I would say the Stooges."

Tough times, loyal music lovers

Last Spring, Rock-A-Billy's got some bad news, and O'Keefe was forced to retire because of a serious illness.

Chervenak said the staff is dedicated to music, and to O'Keefe. The two are still close friends, and speak regularly.

In addition to the shock of O'Keefe's illness, Rock-A-Billy's has endured some rough times economically.

Chervenak said the store has been on a "tight budget," but the dedicated staff has stuck it out through thick and thin.

In addition, Chervenak said that Rock-A-Billy's loyal customers make all the difference.

"Our clientele is very into music, and we get people from all over," Chervenak said. "Port Huron, Flint, Rochester. All of the surrounding areas."

These loyal patrons are what make all the difference in the longevity of this great store. 

More than just records

Customers specifically go to Rock-A-Billy's because they know they are getting special treatment.

The staff goes out of their way to satisfy their musical sweet tooth.

Chervenak said that they work hard to get in special orders and items that can't be found anywhere else.

For example, Rock-A-Billy's frequently gets new CD's shipped in from Kentucky. Also, when a customer makes a request they go out of their way to get it in.

"We have more than what Target has," Chervenak said.