October 28, 2009 - 10:56 a.m. EST

KINGSTON — One Kingston man is hoping his lifelong passion and knowledge of music will crank up a successful business.

Mark and Tammee Markowicz opened Mark’s One Stop Music Shop at 6145 State St. in Kingston just a few weeks ago, and already drumming up business.

“We didn’t do too much promotion yet, mostly because we didn’t know when we would be open,” admitted Mark.

“We were hoping to be open before school started so we could help with band instruments, but our schedule just didn’t permit it.”

The shop owner is also the owner of Mark’s Automotive just down the road from his music store in Kingston, and admits it has been pretty hectic trying to open a business while already operating another.

Markowicz himself is a musician and wanted to offer a chance for area kids to enjoy the hobby he has gotten so much out of. He recalled that when he was younger and growing up in the Sterling Heights and Troy area is when he first got into music. He went on to play in a hard rock band while living in the Los Angeles area before settling in Kingston.

“If it wasn’t in Kingston, I wasn’t going to do it,” said Mark.

“Being in the city for so long, there was always something to do, but if you’re not into sports around here there doesn’t seem to be a lot of other things to do. Hopefully, we’ll offer kids another option, and they can express themselves in a creative, positive way and get some enjoyment out of it.”

Mark’s One Stop Music Shop offers everything from guitar, bass, keyboards and drums to school band instruments like saxophones and violins. The shop also offers lessons for guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals.

In addition, the shop will service school band instruments, so residents won’t have to drive to Saginaw or Bay City every time they need work done.

Markowicz added that instruments will be available for all backgrounds, from beginner to advanced.

“Obviously, as a guitar player I wanted some cool guitars in here. But at the same time, I wanted something that everyone can afford,” said Mark.

“I didn’t want to throw some kid out of here because he couldn’t afford a high-priced guitar. Ideally, an instrument is something you keep for a while, but some kids will lose interest in it and never touch it again. So, we have something for everyone, and at the same time I didn’t want to fill the wall up with instruments nobody would be able to afford.”

According to Mark, he plans to work in the mornings and afternoons at his auto shop, and then give lessons after school. He went on to say that he doesn’t know how long he will be able to keep up with the long hours, but added that his love for music should help to keep him on top of his game.

“We also offer layaway on most of our products,” said Tammy.

“With Christmas coming up, it’s a great way for parents to get affordable gifts.”

In this economy, while more businesses are shutting down than opening, the Markowiczes have some unique business ideas.

“Mark’s Automotive is what’s paying the bills,” said Mark.

“We are not relying on the music store to pay the bills; if we were, we obviously would have done some things differently.”

The store currently has three employees and is open Tuesday through Saturday, but both Tammy and Mark said with the store just now opening, the hours might change to accommodate when business is available.

“There are some nights when closing time arrives and the store is empty, but there have also been nights when we’ve had a crowd in here,” said Mark.

“We’ll stay late to help everyone, no problem.”