One of the reasons the St. Louis Music Sales Team is so dedicated to great products and service is because they’re often musicians themselves or have a deep passion for music and education. In our “Meet Your SLM Sales Team” series, we’ll be giving you a glimpse at why our colleagues are so driven by music, and what inspires them. For December, 2016, we’re honored to introduce you to Brian Fair…
Where are you from? Where did you study?
A: I am originally from the Boston MA area. I studied modern literature at Boston University.
Are you musical? If so, what do you play and with what bands?
A: I have been singing and screaming in hardcore and metal bands since the early 1990s. I began with a band called Overcast which recorded two full length albums and a handful of EPs before breaking up in 1998. I then joined Massachusetts metal band Shadows Fall and we spent around 16 years traveling the world and making records. Shadows Fall released 6 full length albums, two DVDs and a handful of singles and Eps through the years. We were fortunate enough to be nominated for two Grammy Awards in the “Best Metal Category” and share the stage with a ton of amazing bands. Once I became a dad a few years back, I decided to retire from touring full time so I could spend more time at home. We still play the occasional one off show here and there but that’s about it. I will always continue to make music in some capacity. I am currently jamming with a punk/hardcore/obnoxiously noisy St. Louis band called Hell Night and having a blast.
Please describe your career path before SLM, ie. companies you have worked for, mentors you may have had, any sideways paths you may have taken….
A: St. Louis Music is the first job outside of touring and recording with Shadows Fall I have had since I was scooping ice cream in Boston, MA in 1998. So my career path has basically been a transition from screaming at people through a microphone to talking to musical instrument retailers about all of our products and instrument lines on the phone.
How did you first connect with the SLM Team?
A: It actually began when I started skateboarding with St. Louis Music inside sales rep Matt Picker after I moved to the area. Once I had planned to stop touring, I mentioned to him that is any openings at the company came up to let me know. I was interested in staying in the music industry in some capacity so finding a local way to do that was perfect. A spot in inside sales opened up and I was fortunate enough to get hired for the position and things have worked out great so far.
What is the most invaluable insight you have learned in your time at SLM? How does this affect your approach to work and life outside the office?
A: One thing I have learned at this job is that things always work out for the best when you are as up front with people as possible. When you are handling orders and deliveries, logistic obstacles will arise and getting out in front of the problems and explaining everything to the dealers to get it resolved as quickly as possible is key. This definitely applies to life outside of the office as well.
What do you do that inspires you outside of work?
A: These days I spend most of my time outside of work hanging with my wife and two kids as well as trying to get on my skateboard whenever possible. I am always working on new musical ideas and I also spend a decent amount of time yelling at my television while watching Patriots and Celtics games.
