Under Greenleaf's leadership the company converted distribution from mail-order to retail dealers and expanded its product line through acquisitions. Conn founded the Continental Music retail subsidiary in 1923. At its height, the operation included a chain of over 30 music stores. During the 1920s Conn owned the Elkhart Band Instrument Company (1923–27), the Leedy Company (1927–55), a manufacturer of percussion, and 49.9% of the stock of the retailer H. & A. Selmer (1923–27). Conn purchased the drum manufacturer Ludwig and Ludwig, the instrument import/retail operation of the Carl Fischer company, and accordion manufacturer Soprani in 1929. From 1940 to 1950 they owned the Haddorff Piano Company, and from 1941 to 1942 the Straube Piano Company.