Hillsboro's Five Star Guitars Gets National Honor

Hillsboro's Five Star Guitars is the 2016 National Small Business Person of the Year.

That's according to the Small Business Administration, which made the award based on staying power, growth, innovation, response to adversity, and contributions to the community.

Five Star Guitars, started in 2012 by Jeremie Murfin, Geoff Metts, and Johnpaul Simonet, has locations in Hillsboro and Tanasbourne.

"We are really excited about this award," Metts said. "It's a huge honor. It's a big deal for us to represent this industry, since we're the first music store to win it in the 60 years of the award. The significance is not lost on us, and we want to make the most of it."

The company credits part of their success to their participation in the Retail Small Business Management at Portland Community College.

Five Star Guitars also got help from Hillsboro's Economic Development Corporation.

The store has a customer base ranging from beginners to professionals. They offer private lessons and help people find rare and vintage instruments.