ALEX SIMPSON, 33 OWNER RUPP’S DRUMS
What do you consider to be your most significant professional accomplishment so far? In the seven years I’ve owned Rupp’s Drums, I’ve achieved several professional milestones, including guiding the company through the pandemic and supply chain crises, earning local and national recognition, and significantly expanding our customer base. However, my proudest accomplishment is the complete revitalization of the business. When I purchased the company in 2018, it was in decline — consistently losing money, struggling to grow, disconnected from the community and marked by a deteriorating culture that alienated customers. Having grown up shopping at Rupp’s, I dreamed of restor- ing its role as an inspiring and formative place for drum- mers. Today, I’m proud to say we’ve done just that. We’ve transformed our company culture into
one that embraces drummers of all ages, skill levels, gender identities and backgrounds. Our inventory has ex- panded dramatically, with dozens of new brands, in- cluding local and regional companies, carefully cu- rated to meet our custom- ers’ diverse needs. We’ve also improved our digital presence by integrating our POS system with four major marketplaces and building a
strong social media following, extending the in-store experi- ence to tens of thousands of drummers worldwide. While we remain committed to continuous improvement, I’m incredibly proud that Rupp’s Drums has reclaimed its reputation as one of America’s premier destination drum shops. How have you made an impact on the MI industry as a whole? Over the years, I’ve helped foster a strong community of like-minded MI business owners dedicated to exceptional ser- vice and long-term industry health. Together, we’ve influenced strategic conversations, secured more favorable vendor terms and reinforced our collective value to the market. Though independent MI retailers face ongoing challenges in 2025, I believe our united efforts will continue to grow — and help preserve the strength and soul of our industry. PROFESSIONAL AWARDS, MEMBERSHIPS & RECOGNITIONS: Four-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer, 2019, 2021, 2024 & 2025 Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Small Business of The Year Finalist, 2022 Featured in Travel Book’s “111 Places in Denver You Must Visit,” 2023)
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