Iskape Audiobooks...Talking Book Haven in West Michigan!

It was a small sign that caught my eye on my way to the Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids, MI. I wondered what it meant...Talking Books? Eventually, my curiosity got the better of me, and I pulled my car into the parking lot of the small strip mall. Although I was an avid lover of books, I had never seen anything like this. Row upon row of audio books on every subject imaginable filled the racks of the store.

Iskape Audiobooks was initially a part of another franchise called Talking Book World. The first store opened in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1999. The Grand Rapids, MI location opened a few years later. During my first visit, I was amazed by the selection of audio books that they had available. This was well before most major bookstores had any sort of significant inventory of books that you could listen to on cassette tape or DVD.

But in addition to regular books, the store carried an extraordinary selection of business training materials for sales professionals. I was in the early stages of my real estate career and this was like discovering a gold mine! I loved the fact that you could pay a yearly membership fee and keep books as long as you needed to.

The staff are wonderful. On several occasions, conversations with the owners or fellow customers led me to discover books which I would not have been exposed to. Over the years, we have listened to hundreds of hours of books on tape. Many long family vacation trips have flown by as the family became immersed in another John Girsham tale.

The name Iskape Audiobookswas adopted after the store moved to its' new location on 3070 28th St. SE in Kentwood, MI 49512. Today, Steve & Dyna Moore manage both locations in Kalamazoo and the Grand Rapids, Mi areas.

I recently sat down with Steve Moore, the owner of Iskape to talk about his passion for books and his audiobook business.

The business was a natural fit for Steve because he loves people and he loves books! Today, the store has developed a very loyal following of customers. They are able to buy audio books in many locations, but visit Iskape Audiobooks because of the personal service.

During our conversation, I shared with Steve my extraordinary experience with blogging and the way in which it can expand the outreach of a small business. Steve was intrigued with the potential to enhance his service to his clients.

Iskape customers are welcomed like friends. It's not unusual to hear individuals greeted by name. Conversations often develop about book recommendations and client business cards for a variety of services occupy space on the front desk.

Iskape Audiobooks is not just about renting or purchasing audiobooks, it's about being a part of a community of readers. To encourage listeners to dialog about books and other topics of interest, Steve has launched a website which includes a blog. He's excited to explore how blogging can assist him in his efforts.

You can browse, rent or buy audiobook titles from Iskape Audiobooks online or by visiting one of their stores.

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