Скачать или смотреть Built in the 517 Podcast with Katrina Hofstetter | Featuring Lillian Werbin of Elderly Instruments

For more than 50 years, Elderly Instruments has been part of the heartbeat of our community. In this episode of Built in the 517, Katrina sits down with Lillian Werbin, Co Owner and CEO of Elderly Instruments, to talk about how an 8 by 10 basement shop in 1972 grew into a 36,000 square foot world renowned destination for musicians.
From humble beginnings in East Lansing to becoming America’s Top Small Business in 2023, this family owned business has remained rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and care. Lillian shares how her father took a leap of faith after graduating college, how the company expanded internationally, and how the next generation stepped in with a thoughtful succession plan to carry the legacy forward.
You will hear about:https://www.midwestbanjocamp.com


The early days of handwritten flyers and printed catalogs
Becoming a trusted name for musicians around the world
The culture that earned Elderly Instruments national recognition
The importance of succession planning for every business owner
Midwest Banjo Camp and Midwest Ukulele and Harmonica Camp
How investing in employees strengthens the entire community
At Cornerstone Legal, we believe strong local businesses build strong communities. Lillian’s story is a beautiful reminder that leadership, heart, and intentional planning matter.
Learn more:
Elderly Instruments: https://www.elderly.com
Midwest Banjo Camp: https://midwestbanjocamp.com/
Midwest Ukulele and Harmonica Camp: https://www.midwestukecamp.com
Visit Elderly Instruments
1100 N Washington Ave
Lansing, MI 48906
⏱ Timeline
00:00 Welcome and guest introduction
02:00 How Elderly Instruments began in 1972
06:30 Growing from a basement shop to international reach
12:00 Lillian joins the family business
18:00 Succession planning and generational leadership
24:00 Preserving musical history and rare instruments
30:00 Repair shop, appraisals, and specialty services
36:00 America’s Top Small Business recognition
41:00 Building an authentic workplace culture
48:00 Investing in community and music camps
55:00 Upcoming events and final reflections
#BuiltInThe517 #ElderlyInstruments #LansingMI #OldTownLansing #SmallBusiness #SuccessionPlanning #CommunityStrong #MidwestBanjoCamp #SupportLocal #CornerstoneLegal
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