The Music Shoppe, Inc. of central Illinois has announced Jonathon Breen as its new president and CEO. Breen returns to the business as his uncle, Randy Wood, steps down after 45 years with the company.
Founded by Randy’s father (and Jonathon’s grandfather) Tom Wood in 1961, The Music Shoppe has been serving the needs of the music education community in central Illinois for nearly 60 years.
“We’re excited to have Jonathon come back to his retail roots,” says Wood. “His experience and knowledge of our industry will be key in guiding The Music Shoppe’s future growth and direction.”
Breen began his career at the Music Shoppe while still in high school, and held a number of positions in the business over the next 15 years. He left music retail to work for Yamaha’s Band & Orchestral Division, first as a district manager until rising to director of National Sales for the B&O Division at Yamaha.
With three stores in central Illinois, the company has grown considerably since Breen left the family business. “I’m excited for the challenges and opportunities offered within the retail landscape. Much has changed since I last stood behind a register, but the team’s passion for serving students and educators certainly has remained constant,” said Breen. “I’m so very pleased and honored to join such a strong company, and to be able to continue the legacy of service Tom and Randy have established. I look forward to being a part of the future of music retail.”
Jonathon and his wife Kim have relocated to Normal, Illinois, and have three children in college, all majoring in music in the Chicagoland area.
Jonathon Breen and Randy Wood in The Music Shoppe’s Normal, Illinois showroom
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