instruments for students in schools that were more affordable and more stable and really durable. It’s amazing how often we hear professionals tell us that their first instrument was a Fox, and now they only recommend Fox to their students because they know they can count on our instru- ments. Alan Fox also played a huge part in creating the International Double Reed Society, which has helped our little quarter of the music world flourish.” Fox Products’ dedication to educa- tional outreach and the creation of ac-
that year [had] thrown at us by having a really strong team. We all feel that uncer- tainty to really take a critical eye on how we internally operate. One of the larger items was focusing on staying positive and connected as a team while navigating that adversity.” The pandemic underscored the adapt- ability of the Fox Products team and helped them to forge stronger relationships with their dealer partners. This period of trial has led to a renewed sense of gratitude and commitment to service and value. “I really want to show gratitude to the team that we have here and gratitude to our dealer partners that work with us,” Starkey said. “We’re just really eager to serve and add value wherever we can, and we really appreciate those personal rela- tionships that we’re forming.” REDEFINING INNOVATION Despite three-quarters of a century in business, Fox Products isn’t resting on its laurels. Instead, it’s looking to the future with the same passion and dedication that has defined its past. The company’s dedi- cation to its core values of craftsmanship and innovation has remained unwavering. With a strong foundation and a forward- looking vision, Fox Products is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and make a lasting impact in the woodwind realm well into the future. “We will continue to refine our manu- facturing,” Starkey explained. “This will be a focus for our team perpetually, so we remain competitive as a private, family- owned company and will continue to be more attentive and proactive with our cus- tomers, as well. We have awesome dealer partners, and it’s a pleasure to continue to form those personal relationships with them.” Starkey added that throughout Fox Products’ history, its instruments have consistently performed for the musicians who play them. “We pride ourselves in the instruments being consistently stable and mechanically robust,” Starkey said. “We offer a wide range of models that fit the needs of every level player from beginner to professional and we take pride in supporting our dealer partners. Our team is full of genuine and positive people who love opportunities to serve, whether it be product training sessions or aftermarket care, we want to support our dealer partners and continue to add value to them.” MI
bassoonists, and we have bassoon musicians on staff to help with design and play test all the instruments that leave the factory to ensure the highest quality. Fox has a history of building relationships and valu- ing feedback from professionals that play our instrument and understanding what our end-users need to help us maintain our position in the market.” According to Starkey, instrument in- novation is deeply rooted in Fox Prod- ucts’ DNA. “Alan took over and was constantly ex-
“It’s amazing how often we hear professionals tell us that their first instrument was a Fox, and now they only recommend Fox to their students because they know they can count on our instruments.” — Gabe Starkey
cessible, high-quality instruments has not only fostered a new generation of double reed players but also solidified its reputation as a cornerstone in the school music community. BREAKING BARRIERS As Fox Products celebrates 75 years in business, it’s also embracing new leader- ship. Gabe Starkey — who’s father, Tony Starkey, CEO, purchased the business in 2012 — took on the role of president in 2020 amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating through such turbu- lent times was no small feat, but Starkey said the company demonstrated remark- able resilience. “The pandemic showed there was no way to account for all the ways your business can be impacted,” he said. “The main lesson I learned was to accept the situation and adapt our plan to respond. Our company overcame the challenges
perimenting with the instrument designs and adding models and product families to better serve the musicians in our mar- ket,” Starkey said. “When my father took over, he’d driven us to consistently look at how we can improve the manufacturing processes to maintain a high-quality instru- ment and manufacture that consistently. We continue to seek out feedback from the musicians and our dealer partners on opportunities to better serve them.” Recently, Starkey said he’s noticed an increase in interest in the bassoon in school music programs. “I think the biggest impact we’ve made is by making student intermediate instru- ments both reliable and durable,” Starkey explained. “Fox has made playing the bas- soon and the oboe in schools more acces- sible, thus generating more double reed players. Additionally, the development of our classic bassoon in the 1960s was a game-changer for the industry — making
AUGUST 2024 I MUSIC INC. I 15
Powered by FlippingBook