“Dang it, kid. I’m going to show you what Dad could do.”
In a world where success often means climbing the corporate ladder, Armando Cardoso’s story is a refreshing reminder that purpose can lead you somewhere unexpected. Coming from Oregon to Waco, the owner of Vintage Mio put a little spin on his career in 2020. After more than a decade in private banking, Armando felt called to share his love of music—and to amplify the voices of Waco’s youth.
His daughter’s raised eyebrow lit the fuse for what would become Vintage Mio—a place where vinyl fuels a mission much bigger than music. Located at 108 S 6th Street in the heart of Downtown Waco, Vintage Mio is a record store that buys and sells new and used vintage records, donating a portion of profits to local nonprofits. Just steps from the Silos and surrounded by the energy of downtown, it’s become a go-to destination for music lovers, collectors, and anyone looking to connect with a meaningful mission.
“I knew this place was special. Waco isn’t like the big cities. It’s where people still feel connected, and that sense of community—it’s everything.”
The move to Waco wasn’t just about starting over; it was about giving back. Armando saw an opportunity to create something that not only celebrated his love for vinyl but also made a meaningful impact. Vintage Mio became his platform for philanthropy, with a bold goal: donate $250,000 to nonprofit organizations with missions close to his heart—anti-human trafficking initiatives, women’s shelters, and foster care programs.
“When you’ve seen people struggle or felt the pain of loss, it changes how you see the world,” he shared. “I wanted to make sure my business could be a force for good, not just for profit.”
Each record sold at Vintage Mio is a step closer to the goal. As a for-profit business built on giving back, Vintage Mio donates a portion of its sales to nonprofit organizations across the country. Their primary focus areas include support for children, foster care, maternity housing, and community development. Beneficiaries have included St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Project Never Again, The Harrelson Center and Saving Grace Maternity Home, among others. Every visit and sale helps support these causes and uplift those who are most vulnerable.
“For me, business success means more than numbers. It’s about using what you’ve built to lift others up.”
Armando Cardoso’s journey from private banking to record shop proves that the most meaningful success comes when you trade status for significance. Vintage Mio is more than a storefront—it’s a local business changing lives in Waco, Texas, one record at a time.
To learn more, check out https://vintagemio.com/.
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