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PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Neilson/Clyne
Tel: (615) 662-1616
Fax: (615) 662-1636
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GC PRO COVERS THE COUNTRY: RETAILER ADDS
SEVEN NEW REGIONAL SALES OFFICES
— World’s largest supplier of professional audio equipment
and technology hires
seven new regional sales managers to bring GC Pro’s extensive
knowledge base to an
even greater number of clients and ensure unparalleled customer support
—
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, April 18, 2005 —
Guitar Center, Inc. (Nasdaq: GTRC), America’s leading musical
instrument and professional audio retailer, announces its professional
audio division, GC Pro, has hired seven new regional Account Managers.
The seven new Managers share a wealth of experience representing cutting-edge
technologies, products and brands, gathered over decades of industry
service. These appointments add a new dimension to the national coverage
that GC Pro brings to a changing music recording and audio post-production
industry, and underscore the company’s ongoing commitment to providing
the absolute finest customer sales support.
The new GC Pro regional sales Account Managers add depth
to the company’s already-coast-to-coast customer support coverage.
From the Eastern seaboard to the Pacific Northwest, GC Pro has sales
support that understands the requirements of what has become an increasingly
regionalized pro audio business. The newest team members are: Mitch
Shaivitz (Maryland, Virginia and D.C.); Steve Palermo (Pacific Northwest);
Rick Rivera (southern New Jersey and Pennsylvania); Ron Shelton (Texas,
Arkansas and Louisiana); Paul Henry (Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska);
Dan Scalpone (Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana); and Shaun Robinson (Northern
California).
“The addition of these new Account Managers reaffirms
GC Pro’s commitment to its growing base of clients,” comments
Tom Menrath, Director of Business Development for GC Pro. “It
also reflects the reality of the pro audio business today, one that
is increasingly complex and locally based. In an age when music can
be made anywhere, the idea that you can serve only the major music and
pro audio markets is simply invalid. Similarly, customers benefit from
a company that can put veteran sales personnel and stores right into
their back yards on a national basis. The pro audio industry has never
been as diverse as it is right now. But there’s also never been
a company like GC Pro to serve them. Now, no matter where you are, we
can grow together.”
The new GC Pro Account Managers are true veterans:
Mitch Shaivitz (mitch@gcpro.com) is well respected in the Baltimore
area as a studio owner, recording engineer, live sound engineer and
lifelong musician. His experience includes all facets of audio from
DAW-based recording to being responsible for the front-of-house (FOH)
duties at major venues.
Steve Palermo (stevep@gcpro.com) is GC Pro’s audio
guru in the Pacific Northwest. Writing and performing since age 12,
Steve’s equipment expertise led him into building custom guitar
and bass rigs for The Cure, Bryan Adams, Journey and many other national
acts, and he has extensive experience in recording, mixing and mastering
in both analog and DAW-based studios.
Rick Rivera (rick@gcpro.com) has over 25 years experience
in recording, sound reinforcement, production and touring, as well as
an extensive technical knowledge of computers, recording systems and
sound systems for all types of venues.
Ron Shelton (ron@gcpro.com) has over 10 years experience
as FOH engineer for many types of live venues, and draws from his extensive
experience in digital audio production, analog signal processing and
system integration to provide his clients guidance and assistance in
selecting their audio tools.
Paul Henry (paul@gcpro.com) has spent nearly 20 years
listening to and satisfying his clients’ needs in the vibrant
and exciting world of live and recorded audio, and is experienced in
all facets of how digital audio can be used, including computers and
video games.
Dan Scalpone (dan@gcpro.com) received his degree in sound
engineering at Columbia College in Chicago. Since 1999 he has worked
at Guitar Center as studio specialist, DAW expert and live sound system
designer for the Chicagoland area.
Shaun Robinson (shaun@gcpro.com) draws from his extensive
experience in live sound, lighting and mobile DJ. His expertise includes
intelligent moving lights, special effects lighting, theatrical lighting,
laser systems, atmospheric generators, gobos, trussing and all types
of sound reinforcement.
…ends 612 words
About GC Pro
GC Pro, a division of Guitar Center, was created to offer solutions
to the daily challenges of professional audio. We recognize that rapidly
changing technology, frequent hardware and software upgrades, and budgetary
constraints can make your life difficult. Working with your GC Pro account
manager allows you to benefit from our combined knowledge and years
of experience. We will help you stay up-to-date on new products, upgrades
and compatibility issues. GC Pro leverages Guitar Center's bulk buying
power, huge inventory and national reach to quickly deliver the right
gear to your doorstep at very competitive prices. Your GC Pro account
manager will research solutions for your technical problems, demo equipment
at your facility, and help you with easy account-based purchasing.
About Guitar Center
Guitar Center is the nation's leading retailer of guitars, amplifiers,
percussion instruments, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment.
We presently operate 144 Guitar Center stores, with 119 stores in 47
major markets and 25 stores in secondary markets across the U.S. In
addition, the American Music division operates 19 locations specializing
in band instruments for sale and rental, serving thousands of teachers,
band directors, college professors and students. Guitar Center is also
the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the U.S.
through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician's Friend, Inc., and its
catalog and web site, www.musiciansfriend.com. More information on Guitar
Center can be found by visiting the Company's web site at www.guitarcenter.com.
For further information on Guitar Center, contact Tina
Montano at (818) 735-8800 ext. 2285, or log onto www.guitarcenter.com.