Just landed in Atlanta, but saw where this thread was going as I left Europe. Jotted down a few thoughts on the plane. I can only share with you what I have seen, and getting to know the folks there at Warwick, from the president of the company, the NYC artist relations folks, the factory workers, the new US and other worldwide distributors and even the security folks at the show (guarding Bootsy, not me!!)... I have never had such a great experience at a "guitar factory"... but in reality the Warwick facility is much much more.
anyway here are my transatlantic thoughts...
I once worked for a rather famous British group and was forwarned by a great musician who had worked with them previously to “make sure to get paid up front, and watchout for _______________ (the leader), he is an A-hole” Ultimately I had one of the greatest experiences of my career and ________________ and I are still good friends.
Disgruntled employees are often vindictive, much like an “ex” can be….
I have been to the Warwick factory. Amazing facility, amazing people, .. that simple. The only “slave” being driven that I saw is the owner, who is up at 4am, at the factory hours before everyone, and there until at least 8pm, after everyone leaves. Reminds me of my passion for the bass when I was 16… I wish I could get that back!!
Aside from that, the factory is “green”, geo-thermal, and generates it’s own electricity through solar panels and wood waste... and a state of the art gym that is available to everyone. I think there is also free housing as new employees get settled, in apt. buildings that Warwick has renovated. There is a beautiful concert hall with a full on Jam Stage, and I even heard employees jamming away up there.
Judging from the cleanliness, efficiency, and quality of product, I would imagine that employees are held to very high standards. (which can probably be a source of discontent from employees unwilling or unable to meet those standards) I have also witnessed an unprecedented level of support for an employee going through a tough time that is unbelievable. (not a company “veteran”, but a young, new worker) Yet another, among many things that attracted me to the company.
As I said earlier, for me it is about relationships. Life is not long enough for bad ones, and I have learned to cherish the good ones. And by “bad” I do not necessarily mean evil, distrustful, or negative…. More like “unfulfilling”, and in some cases that is not anyone’s fault, just misguided or unfulfilled expectations that sometimes do not manifest themselves immediately. From both the endorser, and endorsee….
Thanks to all of you for your support. In case it was not clear, I take every career decision very, very seriously and make the best choices for myself, and those I care for and about (that includes many of you). When I am playing music I try to be very spontaneous, often going for things just out of reach, with the intended result of making my “arms longer”. Probably the fodder for Intonation threads ;-). But when it comes to business I stay very near the center, weighing my decisions very carefully with long-term ramifications and their considerations at the top of my list. SB
Oh, I will get back on the exact specs. I could try from memory, but that would not be very good at this point... stuck at the airport after a 10 hour flight..
Best of luck to you sir.
