The South Valley BusinessSource Center Celebrates Grand Opening of New Video Game Store In Sherman Oaks
LA Video Games, LLC celebrated their grand opening in Sherman Oaks this past Labor Day weekend with the help of the South Valley BusinessSource Center.
President and CEO Romeo Blackburn said that he decided to open a video game store after actively buying, selling and trading video games for 5 years as a hobby. When the quarantine began, he saw an increase in demand for video games. It was then that his long time friend and soon to be COO Executive Abel Ambriz, motivated him to partner up and open up their own store.
“The challenges I faced during this process were overcoming individuals who didn’t believe that a Latino man could be a business owner, and balancing my daily life with my day job.”
Weeks before the grand opening, Abel met BSC Coach Guadalupe Luviano who introduced him to the different services offered by the South Valley BusinessSource Center. Soon after, she met with both LLC members and agreed to assist them with the grand opening of their new store.
“The South Valley BusinessSource Center was helpful with my grand opening ceremony by providing the red ribbon, certificates from the city, and big scissors. The whole team has been amazing during my process!”
To support Romeo and Abel establish financial planning, Guadalupe introduced them to BSC Coach Alma Torres, a Certified Senior Tax professional to go over bookkeeping best practices for managing a small business. She provided technical assistance on using QuickBooks, including setting up an account and linking their business bank account. Alma also discussed the importance of having liability insurance. Romeo and Abel expressed that they are planning to hire employees soon and were provided with information for the On the Job Training program offered through our partnered WorkSource Centers.
Guadalupe also helped them obtain free personal protective equipment against COVID-19 for themselves and their customers, and assisted with creating a LABAVN for contract opportunities with the City of Los Angeles.
Besides selling and trading video games, Romeo and Abel are also leasing cabinet space to give the community an opportunity to sell their own video games. Their long term goals is to open 15 additional locations across the United States.
“The biggest accomplishment is knowing that I am helping my community and growing up poor that you can do it too, if you believe in yourself.”
To check out their video game selection, follow them on Instagram @lavideogames_ca, or visit their store at 14836 W Magnolia Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 in Council District 4. Check out LA Video Game’s website here for store hours and more.
