The District Chronicles

Issue date: 2/15/09 Section: Business

Through the hustle and bustle of commuters, in the midst of the loud buses and cars, walking down Georgia Avenue you may hear the sounds of hip-hop artists such as Kanye West or Common coming from the 12-inch speakers sitting in front of the store. If you're a resident of D.C., you'll probably be bobbin' your head to the harmonic sounds of go-go music. No matter what your taste, you've probably walked past this store snapping your fingers or whistling a tune.

"This corner needs some music, plus everybody likes to hear that go-go," said Greg Webb the owner of Central Communications located on 1915 7th St., NW, in D.C. Webb, under the guidance of his brother, Donald Campbell, has constructed one of the most well-known record stores in the area that keeps people dancin' in the streets. Growing up in Hampton, Va., Gregg and Donald were all-stars on the court but their dedication to one another created the successful business that they own today. Well known for selling accessories such as clothing items, Vitaminwater, cell phones, DVDs, and CDs, Central Communications falls nothing short of being one of the most unique small businesses in the area.

After attending Virginia State and majoring in business, Webb was influenced by his brother's ambitions and acquired his entrepreneurial skills to takeover the business himself. "I've always been around business-minded people. My father has his own music business in California. My grandfather has his own catering business in Hampton, Virginia, and so the business sense has always been in my blood."

When you walk into Central Communications, one thing you will notice besides the wide array of merchandise is Webb's respect for his customers. Many are greeted on a first-name basis. "Whenever somebody says the corner near Popeye's and CVS, they know they can come here and get whatever they need in this store," says Webb. I'm oriented with everybody that comes into my store, and everybody respects our business."

The store specializes in cell phones, hip-hop and go-go music. Prior to their accomplishment, the brothers' venture was sponsored by a company called Top Page Pagers. The name of the venture underwent several changes, first being called Central Pagers.

"We've had locations in Southeast and Northeast but it just didn't work out. Everybody is familiar with us out here, and we have watched a lot of people grow up around here." His cozy corner shop has hosted local members from go-go bands such as Backyard and TCB. When asked what he loves about being an entrepreneur, Webb responded, "I enjoy setting my own work schedule. There's nothing that I really dislike about being an entrepreneur except only having one day off."

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