In late 2018, James “JC” Curleigh took the reins as the head of Gibson after holding leadership positions with Levi Strauss & Co., Salomon and Keen. During “Breakfast of Champions” at The 2019 NAMM Show, Curleigh discussed the importance of originality in branding and thinking like a startup with NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond.
Jun-ichi Miki has enjoyed a long and vibrant career at Roland, starting in engineering in 1977 and becoming president of the company in 2013. NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond interviewed Miki during “Breakfast of Champions” at The 2019 NAMM Show. There, he shared his insights on creating innovative products, market development and how a love of learning has driven his career.
Smart Women in Music (SWIM) launched last year as the brainchild of three music industry leaders: Robin Walenta of West Music (and NAMM chair), Crystal Morris of Gator Cases and Dede Heid of Heid Music. During “Breakfast of Champions” at The 2019 NAMM Show, NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond spoke with them about the organization’s mission and vision.
During his career at Yamaha, Chris Gero has overseen the growth of the company’s artist relations and founded Yamaha Entertainment Group of America. At “Breakfast of Champions,” he spoke with NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond about the importance of artist relations and how it’s evolved. He was also joined onstage by Yamaha artist and bass legend Nathan East.
Heart co-founder and guitar legend Nancy Wilson received NAMM’s 2019 Music for Life Award during “Breakfast of Champions.” There, NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond interviewed her about her artistry, the importance of branching out as a musician and how she keeps the creative fire burning.
The 2019 NAMM Show closed out with "Best in Show," a fast-moving roundup of the biggest products, services and technologies on the exhibit floor. Moderator Frank Alkyer, publisher of Music Inc. and UpBeat Daily magazines, led a panel of music retail gear experts, who scoured the far corners of the show floor to bring you their favorites. Check out the video of the session and "Best in Show" winners here.
The future of retail is right now. So who is winning in this new reality and why? That was the focus of “Retail Innovators,” the opening NAMM U Breakfast Session at 2018 Summer NAMM. Hosted by NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond, the session featured discussions with some of the most forward-thinking music retailers of today. They shared how they’re thriving with innovative, effective and sometimes unconventional business models.
Cosmo Music’s Mark Hebert has seen tremendous growth in his company’s CosmoFest, an all-out music and gear festival, with 14,000-plus registrants this year. During “Retail Innovators” at 2018 Summer NAMM, Herbert shed light on the event’s success in an interview with NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. Herbert and Chris Bates of TeacherZone also discussed Cosmo’s latest lesson program updates.
Scott and Monique Robbins of G-Brat’s Guitars built a $2 million-a-year music retail business from their home—without employees—using online selling platforms, such as Reverb. During “Retail Innovators” at 2018 Summer NAMM, the husband-and-wife couple revealed their success strategy in an interview with NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond.
During “Retail Innovators” at 2018 Summer NAMM, Tony Schreiber of Pedal Genie discussed his company’s unique business model with NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. Founded five years ago, Pedal Genie is a subscription-based effects pedal service. (Think Netflix for pedals.) It’s also part of Florida-based music retailer Gear Hero HQ.