Redeye began in a spare room of one of its founders in 1996 in Carrboro, NC. Since then, the company has grown to be one of the largest independent digital and physical music distributors in North America. Redeye began by focusing on the rich independent music of the southeast and providing the artists that made up the scene with a distribution option to give them access to all retail accounts located in their region.
For the past twenty years, Redeye has charted a course of steady, sustainable growth by developing a strong physical and digital distribution network both nationally and internationally and providing a multitude of services to their partners. Inspired by their passion for music, Redeye connects independent artists and labels to an expanding global marketplace through extraordinary customer service. With current offices in North Carolina, Berlin, London, Toronto, Sydney, New York, Nashville, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Chicago, and Seattle, Redeye offers label services, marketing and manufacturing in addition to its premier distribution services.
Because of such rapid growth, the time came for the executives at Redeye to consider moving to a larger location in their home state of North Carolina. Chief Operating Officer Aaron Freeman was put to the task of finding a source for funding, and was interested in finding a regional bank that could provide a multitude of services for Redeye. Aaron was connected to one of our experienced Business Development Officers, and it was determined that an SBA loan would be the best option for their Commercial Real Estate purchase. His expertise in small business lending led to the successful closing of this deal in March 2016.
Mr. Freeman recalls his experience working with the team at FNB:
I had a great experience working with FNB Small Business Finance. I came into this process not knowing how the SBA process worked, but my BDO was there to educate me and coach me through it. He's very dedicated – we had many conversations after hours or on weekends! The level of customer service we received was top-notch. Thanks to FNB for their guidance!
Redeye’s purchase comes just as they are celebrating an exciting time - their 20th anniversary in business! The new facility in Hillsborough, NC boasts 90,000 square feet - nearly quadrupling available warehouse space for the company compared to its previous location. With 28-foot high ceilings and seven loading docks, the new building will serve as offices for 51 of the company’s 67 worldwide employees and warehouse space for hundreds of labels, including Acony Records, Barsuk, Burger Records, Daptone, Kill Rock Stars, Ninja Tune, Warp Records and Yep Roc Records. Redeye is grateful for the assistance of Orange County’s economic development department and looks forward to continued growth in Hillsborough and Orange County for many years to come.
