Origin Story of Crates Records

In 2022, a small spark ignited in the backyard office of Ivan R., a passionate music enthusiast and a proud veteran of the Marine Corps. This spark was Crates Records, a company born out of a deep love for music and a commitment to preserving the tangible essence of sound. Ivan made his first sale in October of the same year, marking the beginning of a journey driven by family effort and unwavering dedication.

From day one, Crates Records has been a family endeavor. Every aspect of the business—posting, organizing, marketing, packaging, shipping, and storing music—has been managed in-house, literally within the confines of Ivan’s backyard office. This hands-on approach ensured that every record, cassette, and piece of memorabilia was handled with the utmost care and personal touch.

Ivan’s mission with Crates Records is clear: hard media like vinyl and cassettes are far from dead. In fact, the demand for these nostalgic formats has been steadily rising. He wants the world to know that the tactile experience of music, the crackle of a vinyl record, and the unique sound of a cassette tape hold a timeless appeal that digital media can’t replicate.

Despite the rapid growth and increasing demand, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Ivan and his family are working tirelessly to overcome these obstacles, aiming to expand their operations. The ultimate goal is to have a warehouse full of music, ready to ship at a moment’s notice, catering to the needs of retro media enthusiasts everywhere.

Running Crates Records is more than a business for Ivan; it’s a passion project that combines his love for music with entrepreneurial spirit. As a Marine Corps veteran, Ivan also stands firmly in support of the troops, carrying forward the values of dedication, resilience, and service in his business endeavors.

He’s proud of what the company has achieved so far and is excited about the future. Ivan’s story is a testament to the power of family, perseverance, and a shared love for music.

Thanks for checking out Ivan's story. Now, dive into the collection and experience the magic of Crates Records for yourself!