SABIAN has refocused its U.S. Sales team while continuing to strengthen its position as the leading cymbal brand for Unbound drummers. Tom O’Dea has been named U.S. sales manager, Rick Murray moves to the position of product manager, and Bob Rupp will take over the role of customer relations specialist. All three are highly successful veterans of the MI industry, and personify SABIAN’s promise to never compromise.
A native of Philadelphia Tom O’Dea brings over a dozen years of MI experience to his new role as US Sales Manager, where he holds overall responsibility for sales revenue performance for SABIAN, Gon Bops and SABIAN Performance accessories (SPA). His creativity and enthusiasm make Tom a natural candidate to lead the sales team as it continues to grow market share for SABIAN and its brands. Tom’s extensive sales experience with Hoshino and SABIAN have allowed him to develop a natural and authentic affinity for retailers, musicians and consumers. His passion for the industry stems from an entire career built around music. From playing guitar in local bands, to managing record shops as a teenager, quickly working his way up the ranks at Hoshino USA, and heading up East Coast Sales for SABIAN – Tom is as unique and fiercely independent as the drummers who choose to play SABIAN.
Rick Murray’s high-energy, dynamic approach to sales has earned him great love and respect within the industry. Rick has enjoyed outstanding success in building and maintaining relationships, and he thrives on challenges by developing creative and effective solutions. Throughout his extensive career in MI, Rick has owned and operated a full-line drum shop, served as National Sales Manager for Pork Pie Percussion, District Sales Manager for KMC – and he continues to play drums live and in studio sessions. As Product Manager, Rick will take the lead in all training and events for SABIAN and its brands.
Bob Rupp has a long connection with SABIAN. As founder of Rupp’s Drums in Denver in 1984, Rupp was one of the first US dealers to stock SABIAN cymbals in his shop. In 2004 he founded RuppBeat Marketing and entered into a partnership with SABIAN to develop and execute in-store seminars, training, sales events and promotions. Since that time, Rupp has also been a key part of the SABIAN Sound Team, and a Product and Training Specialist. In his new role as Customer Relations Specialist, Bob will work closely with a select list of retailers, oversee the Artists Affiliate Program, and head up the SABIAN Street Team. Bob’s roots in MI run deep, and he is loved and respected by artists, retailers and colleagues alike.
Rounding out the rest of the sales team is Midwest/West Coast rep Jeff Hendrix, an MI industry veteran who continues to enjoy success with his side venture as owner-builder of Crocket Tubbs Custom Drums. Jeff has also been a touring musician and backline tech for high profile tours such as Diana Ross and DiamondHead. And the SABIAN Inside Sales duo of Michelle Clark and Mary Sandschafer brings a combined 42 years of MI experience, ensuring that SABIAN’s dealer network continues to receive the best service in in the industry.
Stacey Montgomery-Clark, Senior VP of Sales & Marketing, comments: “The depth of industry experience, product knowledge and passion amongst our sales team is immeasurable. We are very grateful for their contributions and excited to be part of their journey!”
