Elkhart IN
Tommy Tompkins began working for CG Conn in Elkhart, Indiana right after high school. He worked in a variety of positions within the company before his training and certification on waste water management. Tommy, like so many of the factory workers at Conn-Selmer, enjoys working with his co-...
Sandy Peffley was hired by her uncle who owned the Armstrong Flute Company, when Sandy was just out of high school. She stayed with the company when it was sold to Selmer and again when it merged with Conn in 2003. Like so many factory workers in the plant, Sandy enjoys the precision work of the...
Bernice Pelmear began working in the Selmer factory in Elkhart, Indiana in 1973. She was trained by veteran co-workers, a tradition she carried on as a trainer years later. Her work focused on assembling oboes and bassoons and continued on after the merge with Conn.
Elaine Taylor began working on the bench at Selmer in Elkhart in 1975, where she covered cases. Over the years she has worked in the cork and padding department for saxophones, also in the instrument cleaning department, in the office and then as a supervisor in the instrument accessory...
Ken Ingram served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Selmer Company in Elkhart, Indiana. He enjoyed working with the dealers around the country and the staff at Selmer, which he felt were the best in the business. Ken worked for Selmer from l952 until 1974 when he became Vice...
DeAnne Gordy began working in the music industry with Gemeinhardt in 1989. The world famous flute and piccolo maker, located in Elkhart Indiana, was established in 1948. Over the years the company perfected the craft of handmade instruments and today, even with the use of some computerized...
David Lowell began working in the music industry with Deford in Elkhart, Indiana with a focus on piccolos. In 1974 David began working for Gemeinhardt Flute Company and remained with the company past the time of his interview in 2011.
Tony Whitt began his career in the industry with the Linton oboe company in Elkhart, Indianan. He later began working for Gemeinhart, which has been where he has been for most of his 52 plus years in the industry. At the time of his mini interview, Tony was working in finishing and final assembly...
Roberto Tirado began working in the music industry with William Lewis & Son, the famed violin company out of Chicago. After studying building and repairs he was given the opportunity to head the string instrument line for Gemeinhardt in Elkhart, Indiana. For years Roberto has worked to...
Steven Wasser grew up in a very musical family and played reed instruments as a child but really dreamed of owning his own business. After graduating from Harvard Business School, Steven worked in several industries before having the chance to combine his interests of business and his passion for...