Since 1936, Thorpe Music Co. has been a full-service vendor of amusement games in the Rocky Mount area.

Technology has changed drastically since the company first started, with games such as Xbox and PlayStation played for free at home, slicing away at revenues of pay video games.

But the company has found a way to endure by changing with the times and offering the latest technology, co-owner Alex Thorpe said.

The company places games in businesses and shares profits with owners. Its motto is to “Let us help you have a more profitable year.”

Thorpe Music Co. also offers the latest jukebox technology, including streaming and compact disc machines. It also supplies businesses with pool tables; foosball, pinball and crane games; and photo and cigarette vending machines. The company rents games for corporate events, birthday parties, family reunions and special events.

Q: What products or services do you provide?

A: We provide amusement and vending machines to the tri-county area, also provide pool table sales and service, amusement and vending machines. We restore antique jukeboxes. We offer service and sales for antique jukeboxes. Then we have amusement games. The movie theater has our video games. We also provide services to indoor Mini Putt. They get (a portion of the revenues) on a commission basis. We also offer photo machine rentals for weddings.

Q: Who are your key leaders?

A: Owners Jimmy Thorpe and son, Alex Thorpe.

Q: How many people do you employ?

A: 10.

Q: When were you established?

A: 1936. My grandfather started the business.

Q: What’s your business philosophy?

A: To kind of change with the times. We’re in a business that is technology-based more than anything else. The more new stuff comes out, the more we have to adapt. We have to try new and innovative things, like photo booths or anything else.

Q: What makes your business unique?

A: We’re still one of the few people who will work on the older jukeboxes. You just don’t find anyone who works on older jukeboxes and has a good commitment to service. We keep our games probably served better than most (other companies).

Q: What changes do you expect for your company in coming years?

A: It really depends on the economy. Our business is based on people’s fun money.

Q: Why did you pick Rocky Mount as a place to do business?

A: This was established as a family business.

Q: How has your company grown in the last several years?

A: We’ve branched out into photo machines, finding different avenues that go hand in hand with products we offer.