RePlay Magazine Podcast - Glenn Streeter
RePlay Magazine Podcast - Glenn Streeter
Glenn Streeter had a passion for antique radios, and got his hobby started in his garage in 1977. He found his way into the coin machine business by hand-building reproduction, nostalgic-styled jukeboxes. From a storefront on Ventura Boulevard in LA’s San Fernando Valley, Glenn’s Antique Apparatus’ reputation for quality and craftsmanship grew as rock stars, other luminaries and regular folks came in to shop. In 1992, a unique opportunity fully cemented Glenn’s future in coin-op. Learning that the iconic Rock-Ola jukebox company was for sale, he jumped at the chance. He moved the Chicago-based company out west to Torrance, Calif., propelling it forward while never forgetting its roots. He went so far as to re-create David Rockola’s office in the Torrance, Calif., facility, complete with his desk and key artifacts. After nearly three decades at the helm, Glenn sold Rock-Ola to Alexander Walder-Smith in 2019, retiring but remaining in touch with many friends he made along the way. With his decades full of experiences, you can bet he’s got a lot of good stories to share. He hits the tip of the iceberg with our host, Randy Chilton, in this episode, starting with the building of his dream house. Give it a listen!
Kineticist’s take
Jukebox entrepreneur Glenn Streeter recounts 50-year career arc from antique radios to Rockola acquisition.
Synopsis
Glenn Streeter, founder of Antique Apparatus and former owner of Rockola, discusses his decades-long career in collectible jukeboxes and coin-op entertainment. The interview covers his journey from antique radio dealing (starting 1977) through jukebox restoration and manufacturing, culminating in the acquisition of Rockola in 1992 for $1.167 million. Streeter reflects on notable celebrity clients (Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, George Harrison), manufacturing innovations, and the role of serendipity and mentorship in his business success.
Highlights
- Glenn Streeter purchased Rockola in 1992 for $1,167,000, mostly paying for the name.
- A Wurlitzer 850 ('Peacock') jukebox restored by Streeter and sold to Freddie Mercury sold at auction for $513,000.
- Streeter had a contract with Apple to manufacture 100 Yellow Submarine jukeboxes, sold 99 before making the first one.
- Yoko Ono personally called Streeter requesting a Yellow Submarine jukebox for Julian Lennon's 15th birthday, but Streeter declined as the contract was fulfilled.
- Streeter's company manufactures between 30-50 different jukebox models using only one cabinet design and one door design.
- Michael Jackson purchased a Rockola 1428 jukebox with green plastics for Quincy Jones after the Thriller album release.
- Streeter appeared on the cover and two inside pages of Sharper Image magazine, leading to orders of approximately 135 jukeboxes that Christmas season.
- Donald Rockola did not marry or have children, and the family wealth came primarily from lakefront real estate in Chicago and New York City.
Entities
- Antique Apparatus· company
- Apple Records· company
- Atwater Kent· company
- Rockola· company
- Sharper Image· company
- Replay Magazine· organization
- Alexander· person
- Charlie C.· person
- Donald Rockola· person
- Frank Schultz· person
- Freddie Mercury· person
- George Harrison· person
- Glenn Streeter· person
- Joel Friedman· person
- Michael Jackson· person
- Quincy Jones· person
- Randy Chilton· person
- Ricky Nelson· person
- Roger Taylor· person
- Ry Cooder· person
- Tom Catella· person
- Yoko Ono· person