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 October, 2016, we’re honored to introduce you to Pat Kennett…
Where are you from? Where did you study?
Pat Kennett: I’m from Illinois where I’ve lived all my life. I’m unique in that I started playing music very young, when I was 15, and was determined to play music. After High School I focused hard on drums and improving those skills. I played in numerous bands throughout the years and continue to do so today.
Tell us about your musical career. How has it influenced your approach to sales at SLM?
PK: About a year after I started playing drums I began to get gigs. I was 16 and was playing every weekend. Over the years I’ve played with many different groups across many different genres of music. I’ve been in church groups, dance bands, and even played with a circus. I’ve played all around the mid-west, in Chicago, Memphis, and Nashville, and have been featured on KDHX radio. A career highlight was meeting Buddy Rich, who was known as one of the world’s greatest drummers during his career.
I beleive all the musical and performing experience prepared me for my work at SLM. When you’re talking to people in the music business they know if you’re being real or not, and being a musician means I can talk about products from a genuine place and bring real knowledge to the table.
How did your approach to engaging with customers evolve?
PK: Before I came to SLM I hadn’t worked musical retail like a lot of people, but I had worked general retail and enjoyed working with customers face to face. I’m mindful of taking care of people. The way I look at it, as soon as I get a call or an email from a customer and they have a question, the clock is ticking. If I can’t answer them immediately my priority is to get back to them in a timely fashion.
How did you first connect with the SLM Team?
PK: I came to SLM through a good friend who works there, Rich Dumstorff. He and I played in bands together over the years and he thought I’d be a good fit for the job with all my music experience. When I was hired it was a very memorable day. I started the day after the Rams won the superbowl.
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?
PK: The most valuable thing I’ve learned is that it’s important to be a great listener. As a musician and drummer you really have to listen and react and I find that this practice applies to your relationships as well. Many times dealers have remarked that I remember a question they might have asked weeks or months ago, and it comes from listening. The better a listener I am the better a job I can do.
What do you do that inspires you outside of work?
PK: We spend a lot of time inside during the week, so I very much enjoy the outdoors, as well as sports. I love to read and enjoy the arts. And of course I love playing music and listening to music, it’s a very big part of my life.
