Debra teaching her the ropes of the piano restoration business. So far, the
arrangement has benefited both women, and Debra expects to hire the apprentice
full time after she completes about seven months with the company.
Using independent contractors hasn't proven as effective. The unclear IRS
rules about independent contractor and employee status make her nervous about
hiring independent contractors, Debra says, echoing the voices of other NASE
Members. And she's found other obstacles as well. "It's been hard for me
to find independent contractors who care about the customers as much as I do."
Debra's customers range from collectors to private owners, many
of whom treasure pianos that have been passed down through generations of their
families. Debra says that working with her customers
and bringing the rare musical instruments back to life still give
her a thrill after 14 years in business.
"My favorite thing is still to restore the old reproducing grand
pianos. Those old player pianos recreate the music exactly as it
was recorded. The player grands of the 1920s and 1930s had incredible artists
creating the recording rolls, artists like Gershwin and Rachmaninoff.
"And I really enjoy my customers. I may work with them on a restora
tion project for several years. When it's done, I've seen people literally
jump up and down they were so excited. And I've seen their eyes well
up with tears. That's a great feeling to see them so happy."
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