Drumming up new business
Pipe band player Robert explains how he has set up firm supplying percussion kit
HE’S the son of a drummer who went on to follow in his father’s footsteps by playing in pipe bands himself.
So it’s no real surprise that Robert Geary decided to turn his passion into a business when he became a supplier of drumming accessories to retail and band customers.
The 54-year-old, from Paisley, launched Robert Geary Ltd last November with wife Caroline, who works as the company secretary.
Here, Robert tells us about his working day as founder and managing director at the company based in Hillington Park, Glasgow.
Can you tell us about Robert Geary Ltd and the products you sell?
We are suppliers of drumming accessories and services to both retail and band customers. We have exclusive distribution rights for the internationally renowned drum maker, Premier Drums.
This means we sell a range of Premier marching products, including military snares, spares and accessories, to customers throughout the UK, Ireland and 15 European countries.
Where did the inspiration for the business come from?
I was asked to set up as a distributor for Premier by their sales director. I gave it some thought and, after talking it over with my wife Caroline, we decided it was too good an opportunity to turn down.
Premier Drums are a global brand known for producing some of the world’s best percussion instruments. They were founded in 1922 and since then have remained at the forefront of the industry.
Some of the most famous drummers in the world used Premier, including Ringo Starr, Phil Collins and Keith Moon. The marching drums are just as impressive and from my own experience I know how good they are.
What’s the business’s journey been like so far?
Although we got the keys to our premises in November last year, we spent some time getting the place ready so it was exactly how we wanted to present the company to visiting suppliers and customers.
We had a very busy few months ensuring it was completed in time. Since then, it’s been fantastic and we are exceeding expectations.
I’ve always viewed Hillington Park as the place to be when you’re in business. It has great links to the M8, nearby train stations and Glasgow Airport, which makes it the perfect location for us and our customers.
Can you tell us about your background?
I worked for bagpipes manufacturer RG Hardie & Co as general manager, where my responsibilities included management of sales, services and customers relations.
I’ve also enjoyed a successful time as a pipe band drummer. I’ve performed with several corps, including Johnstone Pipe Band, and won the World Championship Grade 4 title in 2006.
So you’ve always been passionate about music?
I have always had a thing about drumming perhaps because my dad, Pat, was a dance band and pipe band drummer.
My dad was the lead drummer at Kinning Park Pipe Band, which no longer exists, and he asked me if I was interested in learning.
I took it up aged 22 and was hooked from day one. Since then, it’s slowly taken over our lives, with both our daughters and our son-inlaw also experienced band drummers.
What’s a typical day like?
Like many jobs, there is no such thing as a normal day. Some days are filled with sales calls and visitors, others are all about administration, including import and export, purchase orders and accounts.
Right now, we are spending a lot of time populating our retail website, which we hope will go live soon.
Favourite part of the job?
It’s all about the drums for me. I get to work with, sell, tune and service my favourite instrument.
Highs and lows of having your own business?
The highs are getting to make all of the decisions but the low is having to live or die by these!
Future plans?
We definitely want to expand and, in the future, we hope to take on distribution for orchestral percussion and drum kits, which will open us up to a whole other global market. Find out more at www.robertgeary.com