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 June, 2017, we’re honored to introduce you to Aaron Williams…
Where are you from? Where did you study?
A: St Louis MO! I studied at Webster University and received my BM in Music Composition and Jazz Performance
Are you musical? If so, what do you play and with what bands
A: I play guitar and sing in a rock band called Red Cloud based out of Oregon.
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: I started in the warehouse at Mel Bay Publications. Bill Bay gave me the keys to the car and sent me to MerleFest one year and launched me into the sales department!
I also worked for Davit and Hanser in 2008 after St Louis Music was sold to Loud Tech, Inc.
How did you first connect with the SLM Team?
A: I found an ad in the St Louis Post Dispatch that SLM was looking for sales folk. I submitted my resume and badgered them every week until they took a chance on this rookie salesman! Rich Dumstorff got the “band” back together in 2009 when Mark Ragin bought SLM back from Loud Tech. The rest is modern history!
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: My take-away insight from 18 years of sales at SLM is this – never underestimate the value of relationships – it doesn’t happen overnight, but in time you build a relationship and trust. After a while you literally become part of the store you service, a confidante and a team member.
What do you do that inspires you outside of work?
A: My wife, my kids and nature! I love getting out in the woods with my family, tent and guitar and disconnecting from the digital world!
