From the early days of selling 8-track-tape decks and LP-record turntables to today’s home theaters and Wi-Fi networks, Stereo Barn in Sinking Spring has not only survived, but thrived. A family-owned business since 1971, it’s celebrating a 50th anniversary this year. Charles N. Bock, Sr., spent years working in the electronic manufacturing field until his retirement. It was then (in June of 1971) that he decided to open a stereo shop in Ephrata. The building and its showroom were small and carried products and brands that were more difficult for consumers to find locally. Today, President and Owner Charles N. Bock, Jr., says of his father, “His goals were to find products you couldn’t find elsewhere, to operate in a very fair and friendly manner, and always do the right thing.”
From Then To Now
When Stereo Barn opened its doors, products such as records, turntables, 8-tracks and tape decks were the hot commodity and could all be found at Charles’ store. Stereos and cameras began to hit the scene and grow in popularity as the baby boomer generation became of age. Companies noticed the trend and started to showcase such items in their stores. Stereo Barn continued to evolve and keep up with all the latest changes and new technologies, thus happily adding to their inventory to keep up with the demand.
In the 80s, Sony appointed 40 dealers in the U.S. to help introduce the CD player. Stereo Barn was one of those selected to participate. They were also in the limelight to feature the launching of the first Beta VCR and DVD players. Bock, Jr. says, “We were the specialty place that you went to. People would come here to find what was the newest, the latest. That was how we built our business.”
The younger Bock came into the business during his college years, working alongside his father and brother. As time went on, he took over and Stereo Barn expanded from its birthplace in Ephrata to locations in Lancaster and Wyomissing. With this growth came more employees, including installers and trained technicians. Today, customers can buy equipment off the showroom floor and Stereo Barn will build in-home theaters, surround-sound systems and Wi-Fi networks, to name a few. Bock Jr. says, “Basically anything that you can think of that has to do with music or video entertainment in your home, we can do it.” He continues, “We set up robust, secure Wi-Fi networks in homes, which came in very handy when quarantine started.” They also perform commercial work, updating and maintaining systems for local businesses.
Who They Are Today
The president-owner is proud to say, “We are a locally owned family business, and we support a lot of nonprofit organizations in the community. You don’t pay any more to buy anything from us; you get our expertise for free, and it’s what builds a healthier community when you shop at local businesses.”
Charles is happy to work alongside his daughter, Meredith, who is a third-generation family member employee. She heads the installation department and works heavily with technology. From their beginning in Ephrata to their current location in Sinking Spring, Stereo Barn celebrates its 50 years of growth and service to the community of Berks and beyond with friendly, personal service.
