Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with David Mathis

We recently had the chance to connect with David Mathis and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning David, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What battle are you avoiding?
We recently moved into a different building. It is a new location but the building was built in 1946. So, right now I’m avoiding a battle with City Codes. I”d say avoiding because I know they are doing their job and in the end it will be an overall improvement in the building. It is too easy to slip into an adversarial perspective in these situations but I want it to be a journey and to view them as assisting me. In the end, I hope they will join us on our grand re-opening day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My wife and I took over the mantle of Gallagher Guitar co. which is a historic, Tennessee guitar builder. Gallagher was one of the first boutique guitar builders in the United States. Doc Watson brought the company to prominence, even having his Gallagher G-50 reside for a time in the Country Music Hall of Fame. We are continuing the tradition of hand-building guitars, even using many of the original tools designed by J.W. Gallagher. We are now again in the forefront of boutique builders.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I had a career as a clinical psychologist. Now, as the owner of Gallagher Guitar Co., I’m in the position of engaging, interactive conversation with folks every day about guitars. In my previous role, it was a relationship that was one sides, namely, I was there to support the other person. It was not a reciprical relationship. Now, every day is full of engaging conversations. I have met so many wonderful people and formed friendships that have grown out of our love for guitars and music. Being naturally an introvert, I never anticipated being the face of Gallagher Guitar Co. and the people it would lead me too. I love it.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I continue to learn the difference between owning a business and being an entrepreneur. An entrepreneur knows that no one will save you. You have to find a way through. I’ve seen statistics that say that 50% of small businesses fail within the first 5 years. I believe it because the struggle is real. The struggles can come in many different forms but what they bring is to test your will and push you to find solutions to things you did not anticipate. What is happening, for those that don’t give up, is that your are growing and sharpening your business acumen. The suffering comes to be accepted as a challenge to learn from.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends know that despite seeming rather low key, I’m committed to a project and will put tremendous into seeing it succeed. That committed is supported by an underlying value of respect for people. There are aspects of business that are largely defined by the transaction but even in those transactions it is important to treat people with respect. We are always looking for genuing relationship buiding that transcends the transaction but not everyone wants or is capable of that. However, we are always capable to showing respect and integrity in our choices.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
If I think of legacy that relates to the revival and growth of Gallagher Guitar Co., people will not understand the struggles that were experienced and the problems that had to be solved to resurrect the company and to bring it to a new, higher level of prominence. It has not been easy but from the outside I’m sure it seems like it all went swimmingly.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Life, Lessons, & Legacies

Shari Mocheit Put God first and trust the process. See God in everyone and everything.

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Del Kary Definitely what I was born to do. Since I can remember, movies have

Highlighter Series
Local Highlighter Series

Sean Glatch Anyone can write poetry! To prove this, well, everyone would have to write