ALL ACCESS Mike MacArthur

MIKE MACARTHUR

In this 2020 Men’s special edition of Rochester Woman Online, we had the priviledge to sit down for a little question and answer session with musician, Rochester native, and All Access CBD/Vapor/Labs owner Mike “Mac” MacArthur. This is what he had to say to RWO about where he came from, where he is going and what has influenced him.

Tell us a little about where you grew up and your family:

I grew up in Rochester NY. Specifically, Fairport with my parents Mike and Carol as well as my sister Michelle. We lived there until I graduated Fairport High School and then all moved to Florida.

After you graduated, what career path did you decide to follow and why?

Music…period. I started in 5th grade band and never stopped. I guess you could say my career path chose me. I was fortunate to have so many supportive people encourage music in my life at such a young age. Family friends as well as musicians themselves, Bob and Bill Lewis along with lifelong teacher and friend to this day, Bill Tiberio shaped me as a person and musician and gave me all the tools I needed to succeed.

What was it like touring the world playing music?

I was lucky to have the pleasure of touring the world with jazz trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson in my 20’s as a young musician. That led to touring with Diane Schuur, Rick Derringer, Frankie Valli and many others. I loved being on the road. Music was always the focus and seeing the world

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was amazing, knowing that what I loved doing was making it all possible.

Who was the one person you have met that has made the biggest impact on your life?

I met them the day I was born….my parents:) They encouraged everything I have done since and have been a huge part of who I am. Musically, Bill Tiberio has always inspired me and taught me the importance of what music can accomplish through people.

What made you decide to settle in Florida?

I got a scholarship to Florida State School of Music in Tallahassee FL. My parents and sister moved to Florida as well at the same time. I spent a year there and then transferred to Manhattan School of Music in NYC. From there, I left to tour and eventually plant roots in Tampa Florida.

When did you open the All Access Vapor shops and what led you to create this business at the time when there really were no vapor lounges?

2014. I did’t want to tour anymore so I could be home with my wife and daughter. I had quit smoking by turning to vaping, so I opened a store and made it unique. There actually were vapor lounges at the time. I just wanted mine to be different, starting with the people and vibe.

When and why did you decide to open All Access CBD?

A few years into running the Vapor stores, it became a natural progression to explore the CBD world. I had an opportunity to grab a retail space and I just went for it, not knowing how much we would learn and grow in the process. I am so glad I took that chance.

What makes you unique or different from other CBD companies that are popping up everywhere?

The Lab. In addition to having CBD retail stores, I decided to build a ISO 6 medical grade lab and become not just a retailer, but my own manufacturer.

What is the one thing about Mike MacArthur that people may not know?

I am pretty transparent. haha. If you don’t know me that well, I like Tommy Bahama (some say I have a problem), flip flops (I hate wearing socks) and being home with family.

Who is your favorite musician? Who have you worked with in the past that you would love to again?

Too many great musicians to choose from, but if I had to pick one it would be the band Tower of Power. I have worked a few times with Gino Vannelli and always get excited when I get that phone call. I was supposed

“I guess you could say my career path chose me. I was fortunate to have so many supportive people encourage music in my life at such a young age.”

to perform with him again earlier this year, but the shows were cancelled.

Who has been your biggest musical influence?

This one is hard to answer. Being a good musician is a result of grabbing the styles and ideas of many to create your own voice. Having said that, Gene Ammons, Michael Brecker, Lenny Pickett, and Gene Harris are some of my absolute favorites. Personally and musically, Bill Tiberio has been a lifelong influence both with my career and in life.

Name one thing that you love about owning your own business…

Creating jobs and watching people grow into something they didn’t think was possible. It’s all about the people no matter what business you are talking about.

What piece of advice would you give a young entrepreneur?

Have a vision, stick to it and be willing to be flexible to get where you want to end up.

What makes you who you are?

My family…period. My wife Danielle and my daughter Sydney are my life. Having the flexibility to spend time at home with them is the most valuable thing ever.

What is a saying/quote you have always lived by and why?

Family first. And when friends become close enough over time, they fall into that category. As I get older I gravitate toward the importance of living my life with integrity more than ever.

and what makes them run effectively…

Right now I have All Access Vapor, All Access CBD, All Access Labs and All Access Recording. Having the right people, trusting them, treating them with respect and having a solid vision is a must. From there, I have just taken chances and followed my gut and dreams.

If you could do one thing over in business what would it be and why?

I don’t think I would do anything over. I have learned a lot from my mistakes and that has made me who I am today. I guess maybe the only thing I could think of would be wishing that when I was younger, I could have taken more time to ask questions and learn more from those with more experience than me at the time.

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