Rupp's Drums. Why Surviving 40 Years as a Small Business Is Pretty Amazing

Running a small business is an adventure—one filled with passion, late nights, dedication, and a deep sense of purpose. But when that business thrives for 40 years, it’s not just about survival; it’s about creating something truly special. For us at Rupp’s Drums, the past four decades have been an incredible journey. Founded by Bob Rupp in 1984, and now led by Denver native Alex Simpson since 2018, we’ve been honored to serve the Colorado drumming community and beyond. Here’s why lasting 40 years as a small business is so personal—and why it means so much to us.

1. Rolling with the Changes

When Rupp’s Drums first opened its doors, things were a little different. No one was shopping online, cell phones were a luxury, Prince and Tina Turner were at the top of the Billboard charts, Hawaiian shirts, turned up collar sport coats, polka dots and neon were popular. Furthermore, the music scene was a mix of local gigs, not so gigantic tours, and word-of-mouth buzz. Over the years, we've had to change with the times—embracing the internet, expanding our inventory, adjusting to the changes in how musical instrument manufactures approach customers (including us), and becoming more than just a retail store. But through all those changes, one thing has stayed the same: our commitment to being a place where drummers feel at home. We’ve had to adapt, sure, but we’ve never lost sight of why we do what we do—to help drummers find their rhythm and their passion.

2. Weathering the Tough Times

We’ve seen it all—the ups, the downs, and everything in between. From the financial crisis in 2008 to the unexpected challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, running a small business hasn’t always been easy. But through it all, we've held the course. Why? Because we’re not just a business. We’re part of the Denver community. And it’s been the support of our customers, our fellow musicians, and our team that has kept us going through thick and thin.

3. Building a Community of Drummers

At Rupp’s Drums, we’re not just selling gear—we’re creating long term relationships. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of watching young drummers grow up, develop their skills, and even bring in their own kids to start lessons. We’ve seen friendships form at our workshops, clinics, Master Classes, and Denver Drum Society events. To be around for 40 years is to be part of something bigger than just the day-to-day; it’s about helping to shape a community that loves music just as much as we do.

4. Finding Our Place in the Music Scene

The music industry is competitive, and we know that drummers have plenty of options when it comes to buying their gear. So, what makes Rupp’s Drums stand out? For us, it’s simple: we are drummers and we care. We care about offering the best products, whether new, used, or vintage, and we care about making sure that every customer gets the attention and expertise they deserve. Over the years, we’ve learned that standing out isn’t about being the biggest—it’s about being the most genuine.

5. Passing on the Passion

Rupp’s Drums was born from Bob Rupp’s love for music and drumming, and when Alex Simpson took over in 2018, that passion didn’t skip a beat. Alex grew up right here in the West and understands the needs of drummers, the local music scenes, and why music is so important. This isn’t just a business to us; it’s personal. We love drums. We love drumming. And we love helping others discover that same joy, whether they’re picking up their first pair of sticks or adding a vintage snare to their collection.

6. The Heart of What We Do: Expertise & Service

Our team isn’t just here to sell you something. We’re here to help. Whether you need advice on tuning a snare, repairing a cracked cymbal, or learning the basics, we’ve got you covered. Over the past 40 years, we’ve built a reputation as a place where drummers come not just to buy, but to learn and grow. We’re proud of that. Our lessons, repairs, and rentals are all part of what makes Rupp’s Drums more than just a store—it’s a drumming destination.

7. Navigating the Digital Age

When we first started, everything happened in person. Now, a big part of our business is online. This shift has been one of the biggest changes we’ve faced, but it’s also opened up new opportunities. We now serve drummers from all over, not just in Colorado, and that’s pretty amazing! At the same time, we’ve made sure that our online presence doesn’t replace the personal touch we’re known for. Whether you’re browsing our website or visiting our shop, you’ll get the same level of care and attention that’s kept us going for 40 years.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Rhythm

For us, surviving 40 years isn’t just about keeping the doors open—it’s about building something that lasts. It’s about creating a place where drummers feel understood, supported, and inspired. As we look back, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, but even more excited about what’s to come. The future of Rupp’s Drums is bright, and we can’t wait to continue serving the drumming community for many more years to come.

Here’s to the next 40!