Thomas Ripsam named new CEO of Martin Guitar!

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by stephenT

Assuming facts not in evidence. Gotta love it.

Well, we humans tend to generalize based on our experiences. It's how we make decisions quickly, sometimes to save our lives.

Yet sometimes making generalizations leads to completely erroneous conclusions.

If a financial guy who cares about Martin guitars makes the right kinds of decisions not only about finance but also about the products they manufacture, then all will be well.

Let's hope so.

- Glenn

[stephenT]

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

Well, we humans tend to generalize based on our experiences. It's how we make decisions quickly, sometimes to save our lives.

There are decisions and then there are judgements, two different animals. I think we are dealing w/ judgements here. And hopefully no blood will be spilled.

[handers]

How much growth for a company currently constructing >80,000 guitars per year is desirable? Not meant as a rhetorical question. When is growth undesirable? Growth in what characteristics: numbers built, profit, new models/innovation, ....? What does the mission statement of Martin Guitars prioritize?

Probably lots of different answers depending on who you ask.

hans

[FLRon]

As a lifelong Martin owner I applaud the selection of Mr. Ripsam. This is a strategic move with a keen eye to the future in a global guitar market.

A fresh perspective and a fresh set of eyes are often able to see what the traditionalist cannot,and going forward Martin will need both to compete at the highest level.

I firmly believe that Martin's future has never been brighter.

[lowrider]

Originally Posted by handers

How much growth for a company currently constructing >80,000 guitars per year is desirable? Not meant as a rhetorical question. When is growth undesirable? Growth in what characteristics: numbers built, profit, new models/innovation, ....? What does the mission statement of Martin Guitars prioritize?

Probably lots of different answers depending on who you ask.

hans

Well they could move into electrics, buy an amp company, then home electronics, become a ''lifestyle company''............

Oh crap, that's what drove Gibson into bankruptcy, never mind!

[Br1ck]

There are so many ways I could run Martin into the ground, and many would be applauded. Start by offering your choice of necks on all the 18 series and up. Then, Martin should not be making laminate guitars at all, well, make them but call them the El Plastico line. And stop trying to make guitars for Taylor folks. That should tank profits by 20% or so.

[TJNies]

Sorry, but gonna have to disagree about the Finance person ruining the business.
I worked in multiple multi-national businesses and worked with the Board.
It was NEVER the finance group calling the shots about cutting costs; it was always the management requiring a certain profit; the Finance group simply acted as sportscasters, saying "here's what needs to happen to get to your price point"
Sorry, but after a full lifetime hearing such crap, I get defensive.

[Dirk Hofman]

Originally Posted by Maryc-k

Rant all you want about MBAs, but the program teaches you to think first and then open your mouth. You get out of it what you put into it.

There are two kinds of people companies bring in, the turnaround person, and the growth person. Tom is a growth person. Chris is sticking around for a bit. And yes, sometimes the decision is for the business, but QC should not suffer regardless. Perhaps a few folks remember the TQM triangle (Total Quality Management)?

Let’s give the guy a break and wish him good luck.

Sounds like a plan, since no one here knows the guy and we weren't sitting on the interview panel.

[Zissou Intern]

From his decades long commitment to the family business, we can all infer that CFMIV wants what's best for Martin now and Martin in the future. He didn't sell off the company or take it public while walking away with fat stacks. On the contrary, he is staying involved as chairman of the board to help facilitate the change in leadership. Ripsam was CFMIV's choice for a reason. If you believed in CFMIV's general leadership of the company, then why lose faith now? I wish them all nothing but success, and don't even own a Martin any longer.

This reminds me of when Bill Collings and Preston Thompson both passed, and everyone expressed concerns for both companies not only meeting their mission statements but even surviving the loss of leadership. Both companies exist and persist to this day.

[PaulVA]

I think Zissou Intern's take is the likely scenario, Chris Martin is hanging around and will prevent any unfortunate changes of direction in strategy. I applaud his choice to remain involved, he has demonstrated keen instincts on how to preserve the Martin traditions while growing the company substantially. Note that the terminology in the press release is telling, Chris will be "Executive Chairman". The new CEO will run the day to day and implement the overall strategy, Chris apparently will have say over the strategic direction of the company. It's premature to think this change will be troublesome, Martin is still a family business and I think the new arrangement has every chance for great success.

[Terry_D]

Ask any owner of a AMF Harley Davidson how this is going to work out.

[Maryc-k]

Originally Posted by Terry_D

Ask any owner of a AMF Harley Davidson how this is going to work out.

Not sure there is a parallel here. Ripsam is a Martin employee. There has been so buyout by a company or an alliance. Totally different business model.

[jimmy bookout]

Originally Posted by Dwight

"Chris Martin hands the reins to Thomas, who, over the course of his 25+ year career, first at Booz Allen & Hamilton, and most recently as a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, took on leadership responsibilities for growing the business, developing service offerings and managing teams. He has worked with consumer goods companies, specialty retailers, technology solutions providers, Fortune 50 companies and family owned businesses, helping to drive profitable growth, enhancing digital capabilities, improving customer experience and engagement, and generating hundreds of millions in incremental value for his clients."

Change is good, a fresh set of eyeballs. He'll be good for Martin even if it makes people uncomfortable for a while.

There's a reason "consultant" jokes exist....

[jimmy bookout]

Originally Posted by Maryc-k

Rant all you want about MBAs, but the program teaches you to think first and then open your mouth. You get out of it what you put into it.

There are two kinds of people companies bring in, the turnaround person, and the growth person. Tom is a growth person. Chris is sticking around for a bit. And yes, sometimes the decision is for the business, but QC should not suffer regardless. Perhaps a few folks remember the TQM triangle (Total Quality Management)?

Let’s give the guy a break and wish him good luck.

Sadly, history is not on your side on this...the world is littered with companies that actually PRODUCED something being run in the ground by a consultant/MBA/Finance guy/etc...

[Br1ck]

Watch the turnover rate among guys and gals who could retire if they want to. Worry when they want to.