Let’s start at the beginning — what first pulled you into drumming and when did you know it was more than just a hobby?
The defining moment for me was when the Air Force ‘Rock Band’ played at a grade school assembly. It was the first time I experienced a live band up close - I was captivated by the sights, sounds and of course, the drummer and his silver sparkle drum kit. This inspired me to join school band through high school. I started playing in local clubs and wedding bands, then picked up a part-time job at my local music store where the gigs seemed to find me. As a sophomore in high school, my boss invited me to accompany him to the NAMM Show at McCormick Place in Chicago. I accepted, was immediately hooked, and the rest is history.
After high school graduation, I moved to St. Louis to pursue a degree in music performance and accepted an entry position at Drum Headquarters. A year later, I decided I could go a lot further selling drums than playing them. My time at the store included a spin-off wholesale venture, HQ Percussion Products, and the creation of the ReelFeel Practice Pad that eventually sold to D’Addario. Then, after 28 years, I closed Drum Headquarters as owner and moved directly into Brand Management at St. Louis Music.
Drum Headquarters became a destination for players all over the region. What made that shop so special? What are some moments that still stick with you from those years?
Drummers are very community-oriented, so in the 80’s and 90’s, before the onset of social media, a shop with knowledgeable people, the latest gear and a strong lesson program was priceless to those in driving distance. Drum Headquarters had all of those things and more, which made for a long and rewarding run full of lifelong relationships that continue to this day. I regularly meet people with heartwarming stories that often include me selling them their very first drum set.
You went from running one of the country’s top drum shops to shaping a drum brand. How did that leap to Dixon happen, and what did you carry over from your retail days into your role now?
In 2011, St. Louis Music had the opportunity to become the exclusive U.S. distributor of Dixon Drums and needed a Brand Manager in place to finalize the deal. Having sold Dixon hardware in retail, I was not only familiar with the brand and its high-value stands, but recognized its potential as a full drum and hardware brand. I’m forever grateful to Mark Ragin for bringing me aboard. I knew it would take time to elevate Dixon’s perception considering all of the great legacy brands, so I applied much of the Drum Headquarters recipe to grow a quality, trusted and supportive brand that drummers can discover and make their own – a big part of why Gregg Bissonette joined the Dixon roster in 2014.
We know you’ve always got something in the works — can you give us a glimpse at what Dixon’s been cooking up lately, or any innovations drummers should keep an eye out for?
For acoustic drums, innovation is tricky. It’s the instrument that began with the caveman, eventually peaking as drum sets grew bigger, stronger and faster starting in the 70’s, followed by decades of great features and upgrades. Dixon’s approach to product development is to nail the essentials while still being clever and exciting. I believe this vision is represented by Dixon’s full line, including our most recent releases, such as Little Roomer Select.
