Despite a family history in the world of music retailing, the path to the pipe organ business for Thad Reynolds actually led through the church by way of a gymnasium.

Inspired by the grand sound of his church's pipe organ, he became an organ student of Martha Dougherty. Under her tutelage, he learned not only the techniques of playing the organ, but also an understanding of the importance of music in carrying the message of the church. Later, at Ball State University, he continued his organ studies with Fred Binckes and Kirby Koriath. But his interest in how the organ worked, and how it produced its music held a fascination for him equal with that of playing. While a college student, Reynolds sought out and cataloged dozens of pipe organs of different styles and by various builders.

His first major project was to bring the municipal organ in Marion, IN back to life after over a decade of silence. The effort required nine months of work (and the expenditure of $28), but finally the old Estey organ once again reverberated in Memorial Coliseum, where it is still playable today, almost thirty years later. This project marked the start of what would become Reynolds Associates.

Following college, Reynolds developed both his organ building and business skills. For twenty years, he was a church organist and choir director. During this time, his organ business expanded as the client list grew. These congregations learned that they could depend on Reynolds to provide careful and professional service, as well as on his personal and business integrity. As an Operations Manager for Sears, Roebuck, and Company, he learned the business skills that are necessary for any successful firm. Perhaps the most important lesson from the Sears days: "Take care of the customer."