SUMMER PROGRAMS 2016 AT PHOENIX COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL DETAILS & REGISTRATION AT PCDS.ORG/SUMMER JUNE 13 - JUNE 24 JUNE 27 - JULY 8 JULY 11 - JULY 22 A R T • A C A D E M I C S • T E C H N O LO G Y • T H E AT R E • S P O R T S & M O R E K-1 2 • AQ UAT I C C E N T E R • I N D O O R GYM • LU N C H • E XT E N D E D DAY SUMMER A R T • A C A D E M I C S TO PCDS SUMMER! TO PCDS SUMMER! DIVE IN I TWO-WEEK SESSIONS Page 18 April 2016 By Riley Kissee Vintage luggage has become a coveted item in recent years, mostly for the timeless designs and retro look. While the items might be a stylish blast from the past, oftentimes the luggage isn’t very functional. It can be bulky and less practical for a modern way of life. Brently Easten of Loud Luggage has found a way to repurpose old suitcases by converting them into modern boom boxes. The company began as a one-time personal project and has since transformed into a full-time business for Easten. He owned an old Volkswagen Beetle and loved the look of the original chrome radio in the car. The only problem was that the radio lacked the capabilities to listen to music using current equipment such as an iPhone. That’s when he was inspired to take an old suitcase, which complimented the throwback design elements of his car, and load it up with speakers. The result was better than expected. Not only was it a great addition to his car, he could remove the device and take it with him everywhere he traveled. “I went to the Scottsdale Car Show with the suitcase in the back of my car and it drew so much attention,” Easten said. “Then friends starting asking me to commission custom cases for them.” After all of the positive feedback, he decided to develop the concept into a full- f ledged business called Loud Luggage. Easten has a large supply of suitcases at his warehouse, but customers can also bring in their own luggage to be converted into a portable sound system. “You can pick out a case in our inventory or you can use your own case,” Easten said. “So many of the people we’ve worked with tell us about how their grandma had this luggage or I had that luggage. They all have stories behind them and usually they aren’t being used.” Each suitcase is truly one-of-a-kind and is created to fulfill the needs of the individual customer. Every piece of Loud Luggage is outfitted with high quality speakers, amplifiers, stainless steel or brass hardware, Bluetooth capabilities, auxiliary cable, rechargeable lithium batteries, a power adapter, u n i q u e b l u e p r i n t instructions and a laser-cut steel badge identifying the production number. Currently they are at number 145, with more on the way. Additional options include solar capabilities for camping and jail bars to protect the speakers. “We can install speakers in anything: old furniture, an old radio or even an old bar. We’re open to anything. Right now we’re working on a new product using ’80s lunchboxes,” Easten said. Since launching the company, Easten has received inquiries from people worldwide about Loud Luggage. There are now custom suitcases residing in Ireland, South Africa and Australia. “I think it’s so cool that someone so far away is using one,” Easten said. What’s more, he’s even had celebrity clientele. Travis Barker from the punk rock band Blink 182 received the first Bluetooth model developed by Easten. Barker posted a photo of his Loud Luggage to Instagram, which has helped increase visibility for the company. For more information on Loud Luggage, visit loudluggageco.com. Loud Luggage turns up the volume using vintage suitcases BEHIND THE BUSINESS

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