December 2025
WEST MUSIC MUSIC INC.’S 2025 RETAILER OF THE YEAR GUITAR CENTER SWEETWATER JIM’S MUSIC PAIGE’S MUSIC THE EXCELLENCE ISSUE I 35 R Retail Excellence Awards | 36 Supplier Excellence Awards | 50 S YAMAHA GATOR D’ADDARIO KHS EASTMAN MUSIC COMPANY P Product Excellence Awards | 56
30 I FROM THE TOP
Kepma Guitars USA’s Marty Kloska talks about the brand’s ever-expanding sales team.
West Music’s Ryan West
RETAILER ASK THE 62 I ASK THE RETAILER X More insightful tips from our 2025 Retail Excellence winners. 28 I WOMEN OF NAMM X Gator’s Crystal Morris discusses important factors to consider as a leader. 27 I NAMM YP X Martin Guitars’ Matthew Kennedy gives his best networking tips. 24 I AI IN MI X Peter Dods shares tips on how to maximize AI’s output. 26 I VIEW FROM THE REPAIR BENCH X Steve France on how to start a repair apprenticeship program in your store.
14 I NEWS X Bill’s Music Celebrates 60 Years X G&L Musical Instruments Reportedly Closes X NAMM Show Wins Gold at Trade Show Executive Awards X KMC Music Distributes Hiwatt, Park, WEM Brands X Roland, DW Host OxtoberFest Event X Reverb Names New CEO X Jordan Kitt’s Expands Sales Team 12 I INDUSTRY PROFILE X Hal Leonard’s new sales team members discuss how they’re transforming their MI distribution through strategic aggregation.
Hal Leonard’s Donny Gruendler and Jeff Wadulack.
The Bill’s Music team. From left: Tracey Higgins, Brian Higgins, Bill Higgins, Jamie Higgins and Nancy Higgins.
Cover photo by John Beyer.
6 I MUSIC INC. I DECEMBER 2025
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