We were lucky to catch up with John Roderick recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi John, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Remember where you came from, not the city or school you went to… your families American journey and if possible when and what brought them to the U.S. Oh yeah, be ready to work harder and smarter than anyone else in the room.
Music Trade Event – Frankfurt, Germany 1990
Music Trade Event – Shanghai, China 2016
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
2024 marks my 40th year in the musical instrument (MI) business… my day gig. I’ve held a range of positions, sales, marketing, business development, R&D in both single owner companies, private corporations and a fortune 500 publicly traded business. For the past 10-years I’ve been an independent contractor “business consultant” specializing on the global MI business. The common thread throughout being, I’ve been tasked with and been successful at visualizing opportunities in new product, business and programs and efficiently executing them.
Prior to working in MI I was an independent musician playing drumset, percussion, vibraphone, keyboards and as a lead and background vocalist. Over my 55 of employment, the largest motivator for me has been to be in a creative environment with people that want to push forward, take chances and aren’t afraid to try new things or from time to time, failing. A music teacher once told me “A band is only as good as the weakest player”. I feel the same about my work teams. My success in good part is based on working with quality folks that in many cases made me have to “work (play) up”. You know it’s right when team members begin to finish each other sentences, it’s a similar experience I’ve had with musicians finishing each others musical phrases.
Product Demonstration – Hong Kong, China 2014
Product Demonstration – Paris, France 2013
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
#1, I like to build things… physical products, new business initiatives, musical arrangements, you name it. Many years ago, before there was ever one depicted on screen, I was given the nickname “The Black Vulcan”. This was for what I might call a quality, and others call it an annoyance, my (natural) attention to detail and organizational skills. My life’s journey has provided me with the opportunity to study, learn and practice a wide range of skills from mechanical engineering to music performance to business administration and several other non-business exec specific skills that really come in handy. Over the years I’ve had family, friends and business associates / colleagues ask, how did you know how to do that.
If I have the opportunity to advise folks coming up I simply say, take in all of life’s experiences and learn from each. Along the way, remember it’s not all about the job title or the amount of compensation received it’s about the amount of knowledge, self-esteem and experienced gained. Oh yeah, while on life’s journey, keep a common theme, stay true to who and what you are, what you like to do and dream of of doing.
Product Demonstration – The Hauge, Netherlands 2014
Drum Clinic – New Haven, CT 1986
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My mother and father taught by example! Their work ethic and unwavering support for me, my siblings and extended family laid the corner stone for the husband, father, friend and business professional I am today.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnroderickbvi/
- Other: WeChat: JVRODERICK
Whats Ap: john.v.roderick
D’Addario Management Team – Farmingdale, (LI) NY 2005
Recording Artist Event – Los Angeles, CA 1995
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
