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Is this a small win for Martin???
I wasn’t sure where to put this piece of news so I came here. Just read that Chris Martin is stepping down from ceo of Martin after 35 years. I think the real news is that the new ceo will NOT be a family member. This is the first time since the founding in 1833 that someone outside of Martin will be at the helm. Just thought it was an interesting piece of news for us tacians.
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6 Replies
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Chris Martin is still going to be chairman of the board (at least for awhile). Maybe they needed new marketing with fresh ideas? Sometimes passing it down to family isn’t the best decisions? Time will tell. This would be a good feature on Acoustic Tuesday. Thanks for the post.
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you are right cadgirl, I do think tony should check it out and let us know.
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It would seem the most critical thing for Martin is to maintain the foundation of the brand: unquestionable, impeccable quality that set the standard for the industry. Thanks for sharing @Mrfredsporty
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I agreeKM
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@Mrfredsporty – Chris Martin actually stepped down last June (2021), so this is old news at this point. He was replaced by a Thomas Ripsam. Ripsam has a strong corporate strategy/business admin/finance background and so he looks like your typical corporate leader type, but he is also an avid guitar player. He even took a sabbatical in 2019 to work with a luthier to learn about the process of building acoustic guitars. In my opinion, this is a real good thing. Having a CEO who is not afraid to get his hand dirty and actually took the time to understand and experience the design, development and build process is a big plus and sure beats having some Ivory tower type who never stepped foot into the trenches. Let’s call this fact a Small Win and this topic now fits right into this category. 😀 The fact that he did this in 2019 kind of gives me the feeling that this move was in the planning stages for some time prior to Chris stepping down.
I live in NJ, about 2 hours away from the Martin factory. I went on the factory tour about 3 or 4 years ago, prior to getting back into guitar. It was really cool and interesting. I since picked up the guitar after a 35-year layoff (I was never any good to start with) about 2.25 years ago, joined TAC in May of 2020 and have been serious about learning to play for real now that I have the time. In the past 2 years I have learned a ton about playing and also the details of acoustic guitar specs, types, materials etc., and so now armed with this new knowledge base I am targeting another visit to Martin in the not-too-distant future. The tours were on hold for the last 2 years because of the pandemic, but they are back on now, however, you need to make a prior reservation, (no big deal) pay $5, and the group size is limited to 6 (good!).
I picked up a 2011 Martin HD-35 last August and love it. Looking to pick up another cheaper Martin at some point that I can play outside on the front porch, etc. (The HD-35 doesn’t leave the house).
If you ever get the chance to take the Martin tour, I highly recommend it – my wife even liked it and she has zero interest in guitars.
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Wow excellent Chuck S. You can tell I was not a member of tac then . Thank you so much . Now that I am a member I will always be up to date and will cherish my new hd 28 (named Marty D) even more. The combined knowledge of our tac members is outstanding! GO TACSTERS!
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