“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend the last thirty years.” – Radio Kaos owner Randy Wagner

By Joe Bachman
Editor

STEVENS POINT — After thirty years of “Kaos” there is no end in sight for this long-time local music store.

Owner Randy Wagner will celebrate his thirtieth anniversary on Oct. 31 of this year. For nearly three decades, Radio Kaos has been an important part of the city’s pop culture, bringing music of all types to all Pointers through generations.

For Wagner, it all started in Minneapolis after becoming tired with his job at the airport. According to Wagner, he simply wanted to do something different — so he did. In 1989, after spotting a business space to rent at 1236 Third St., he made the call, and not long after, Radio Kaos was born.

Inside Radio Kaos, 968 Main St. Photo: Joe Bachman, Portage County Gazette)

Wagner moved Radio Kaos to its current space in 2001.

“I wasn’t anticipating to be here for thirty years,” said Wagner.

There’s a reason for the store’s longevity; and that’s variety. Radio Kaos doesn’t cater to one musical taste, but dozens, and that’s the way it’s been for decades. In an era of digital music, at least for Stevens Point, CD’s, vinyl, and LP’s have stood the test of time, as the business remains successful.

“This town’s been really good to me; really loyal,” said Wagner. “You’ve got to listen to them, and you have to adjust.”

However, Wagner continues to ride the wave, and as of recent, the current is running in his direction. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) CD’s and vinyl are outselling digital downloads for the first time since 2011. Record industry revenues have been on an upswing by over $1 billion dollars since 2015.

Wherever the record industry stands in regards to revenue, Wagner will be ready with his most important business attribute: listening to his customer base.

“I just do the work — they keep it running,” said Wagner. “It’s about them, and it always will be about them.”

Radio Kaos is located at 968 Main St.