to gather everyone for a training. “It wasn’t about learning something new — it was about reinforcing what we already do and making it clear to ourselves, our team and the people we work with — clients, schools and teachers,” she said. “That clarity really helped us level up the support we were already providing. It gave us a shared path forward.” In addition to receiving Best Customer Service, Brighton Music Center also took home “the big one” — NAMM’s 2025 Dealer of the Year. “It was completely unbelievably mind- blowing when they read our name,” Schiemer said. “When we got Best Cus- tomer Service, I was floored that we would be considered in that same group. When our name was called for Dealer of the Year, it was like it wasn’t real. I have the trophy in that trophy case, and I still feel like it’s not real. To be thought of as the best of the best, it’s crazy. “Candyman Strings and Things’ owner Rand Cook told me ‘You are in rarified air now that you’re one of only 14 [Dealer of the Year] winners,’” Schiemer recounted. “And that’s really stuck with me.” Wittmer, who wasn’t present at the awards ceremony, said he too was humbled when he got the news back home. “I was floored, and I partially thought it was a joke,” Wittmer said, “We as a Brighton team have sat in that room many times and been nominated and seen the owners and dealerships that were win- ning and thought, ‘Wow, look at what they’re doing!’ So, to be welcomed into that company has been truly amazing. It was a very humbling moment. We have a lot of gratitude.” For those MI retailers aspiring to nab their own Dealer of the Year title, Schiemer had one bit of advice: Be au- thentically you. “That’s the way we do it,” he said. “People will find out if you aren’t who you present yourself to be. Be kind and be yourself.” Wittmer added to make sure your cus- tomers understand why you’re in the music space in the first place. “Make sure people understand why you’re in the music business, what you’re doing and why it matters,” Wittmer said. “If you’re an owner and your team is in- vested, there’s a reason you opened the store in the first place. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of not saying it loud enough for the right people to hear — especially the
people in your community who matter most. Start with them. When they know your purpose, that’s what helps you grow.” Growing is what the Brighton Music Center team hopes to continue to do in the next few years, but not just for the sake of growth. “I hope we just keep growing the way we’re growing because ultimately, we need to make more music makers,” Schiemer said. “We want to expand the community and reach as many people as we can.” Wittmer tied the future of the company back to its original foundation: a focus
on kindness. “We also just want to make sure there’s always a home for the amazing staff and extended family we have here at Brighton Music Center,” he said. “It’s important to me that parts of our business — like repair and service — aren’t forgotten as the world changes. These are still vi- able, meaningful jobs that help fuel our industry. With all the uncertainty and shifting trends in retail, our priority is making sure our team knows we’re here to support them and will be for many more years to come.” MI
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