Group Y Content : Building A Brand By Crafting A Community

In this Week’s Group Y Content, Mike Ciprari, co-founder of SJC Custom Drums, shares his inspiring journey from a passionate young drummer to a successful entrepreneur. Mike reflects on his experiences at the Warped Tour, the evolution of his business, and his commitment to giving back to the music community through his new venture, Loyal to the Craft.

Building A Brand By Crafting A Community  

From Drummer to Entrepreneur: The Punk Rock Spirit

In this episode of Group Y Live, host Oli Russell-Cowan interviews Mike Ciprari, co-founder of SJC Custom Drums and founder of Loyal to the Craft.

Mike shares his journey from a passionate young drummer in Massachusetts to a successful entrepreneur in the music industry. He discusses the evolution of SJC, the challenges of balancing touring with running a business, and his commitment to giving back to the music community through his new venture, Loyal to the Craft.

Mike's love for music began at a young age, inspired by bands like 311 and the vibrant New England music scene. He recalls how his parents supported his passion for drumming, leading him to join jazz and marching bands in high school. His early experiences at concerts and festivals, particularly the Warped Tour, fueled his desire to create custom drum sets. This passion led him and his brother to start building drums in their grandmother's basement, which eventually blossomed into a full-fledged business.

The Warped Tour played a pivotal role in Mike's journey, as it introduced him to a community of musicians and fans. He vividly remembers attending the tour as a teenager and how it changed his perspective on the music industry. Mike's enthusiasm for connecting with bands and building relationships helped SJC gain traction, as he reached out to his favorite musicians and offered them custom drum sets. This grassroots approach laid the foundation for the brand's growth and success.

“I wanted to be part of that community. I wanted to be a part of that scene that I was so infatuated with.”

As SJC expanded, Mike faced the challenges of managing a growing business while touring with his band. He and his brother had to navigate the complexities of running a company, including hiring employees and managing logistics. Despite the difficulties, their passion for music and commitment to delivering quality products kept them motivated. Mike emphasizes the importance of maintaining genuine relationships with clients and exceeding their expectations, which contributed to SJC's reputation in the industry.

In recent years, Mike has shifted his focus to Loyal to the Craft, a project aimed at inspiring the next generation of musicians. Through this initiative, he aims to connect young drummers with influential artists and provide them with resources to pursue their passions. Mike's experiences in the music industry have taught him the value of community and mentorship, and he is dedicated to giving back by creating opportunities for youth to engage with music.

The episode concludes with Mike discussing his future goals for both SJC and Loyal to the Craft, including collaborations and community engagement. He expresses excitement about upcoming events, such as activations at the Warped Tour, and the potential for growth in his initiatives.

Mike's journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of passion, hard work, and community in achieving one's dreams.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Build Genuine Relationships: Cultivating authentic connections in your industry can lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations that enhance your brand.

• Embrace Challenges: View obstacles as opportunities for growth; learning to navigate difficulties can strengthen your business and personal resilience.

• Focus on Community Impact: Giving back to your community not only enriches the lives of others but can also create a loyal customer base that supports your brand.

• Stay True to Your Passion: Align your business goals with your personal passions to create a fulfilling career that resonates with both you and your audience.

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The Group Y Live Podcast with Oli Russell-Cowan offers insider access to the minds shaping youth culture, creativity, and innovation across sports, art, music, tech, and lifestyle. Featuring candid conversations with influential creators, brand leaders, and disruptors, each episode dives into the ideas and strategies driving authentic engagement in today’s fast-moving world.

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