Meet Phil Butera | Entrepreneur & Acoustics Nerd

We had the good fortune of connecting with Phil Butera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phil, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My decision to start my own business stemmed from a desire to leave the corporate environment and pursue something more aligned with my passions. I launched several private label brands on Amazon in 2015, including one focused on acoustics as I am a lifelong musician. This brand quickly took off, fueling my enthusiasm for providing solutions directly tailored to customers’ needs. I prioritized exceptional customer service, offering free acoustical advice and recommending the best solutions, even if it meant suggesting products outside our catalog. This approach not only set my business apart but also aligned closely with my personal values and professional aspirations.

What should our readers know about your business?
SoundAssured started as a venture to escape the confines of a corporate environment, propelled by a passion for music. The journey began on Amazon in 2015, launching several private label brands, with the acoustics line quickly rising to prominence. This success wasn’t just about selling products; it was about solving problems and providing tailored solutions to customers.

What sets SoundAssured apart is our commitment to exceptional customer service. We’re not just selling; we’re advising. We offer free acoustical advice and recommend the best solutions for our customers, even if it means suggesting products we don’t sell ourselves. This customer-first approach has not only set us apart but also built a loyal customer base that trusts our expertise and values our honesty.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. The road had many challenges, from navigating the complexities of product sourcing to understanding the intricacies of online marketing.

One significant challenge we faced was the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, professional studios closed, leading many to set up home studios. Additionally, the rise of podcasting, voiceover work, and other home-based income opportunities surged. With Zoom becoming a global staple, there was a sudden spike in demand for solutions to improve audio clarity on calls, reducing echo and background noise. This led to a significant boost in our sales, pushing our capacity to its limits as we worked tirelessly to meet demand.

However, post-pandemic, we experienced a slump in sales as the world began to normalize. This shift forced us to return to the drawing board, innovate our product line, and discover new ways to engage with customers. These challenges were tough but invaluable, teaching us important lessons in adaptability and market responsiveness.

Through these challenges, I’ve learned the importance of resilience and adaptability. Every setback was a learning opportunity, teaching me more about the market, our customers, and how to refine our approach.

I want the world to know that SoundAssured is more than just an acoustics company. We are a testament to the power of following your passion and the importance of genuine customer relationships. Our story is one of turning a personal passion into a thriving business that helps others achieve their best sound environments, whether for professional studios, home theaters, or office spaces. SoundAssured is here to help you hear your world better.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d make sure we hit all the highlights. Start by exploring the great outdoors with a day of hiking at Staunton State Park, enjoying the stunning scenery and trails. Staunton is great for visitors because the elevation isn’t too high and there are some water features. I’d take them to my favorite spot in Aurora for Ethiopian food, Megenagna. Their veggie combos and tibs are both amazing! We would also check out a food hall. Some of my favorites are Stanley Marketplace, Milk Market, and the Edgewater Market. These are great because you can try multiple restaurants at one time. No visit would be complete without experiencing the local culture, so we’d catch a live show at Red Rocks and maybe Dazzle downtown. Lastly, we would catch a show at Comedy Works for a laugh!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate a huge shoutout to my wife, Jess. She was the catalyst for my leap into entrepreneurship, encouraging me to leave my corporate job and dedicate myself to building my own business full-time. Jess has been my rock, supporting me through all the ups and downs that come with working for yourself. Her belief in my potential and unwavering support have been instrumental in my journey, and she truly deserves recognition for her role in my success.

Website: https://www.soundassured.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SoundAssured/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philbutera/