Show notes
Hilary talks with Julie Robbins, CEO of EarthQuaker Devices, one of the biggest little pedal companies in the business. They discuss shutting down “the swimsuit edition”, what it’s REALLY like to be a CEO, and tips for music gear diversity and inclusion at NAMM and beyond! Plus, sexual harassment training.
JULIE’S BIO
Julie Robbins is an American business woman, entrepreneur, and chief executive officer of effects pedal manufacturer EarthQuaker Devices, top-six in the U.S. and one of the top-10 in the world, which she owns with her husband EarthQuaker Devices President Jamie Stillman. Robbins is responsible for stewardship of the production, management, marketing and international sales for the company. She is also a champion of female and LGBTQ musicians and entrepreneurs. EarthQuaker Devices are available in over 865 retail locations in approximately 50 countries and its key retailers include Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Sweetwater and Thomann. The company has sold approximately 250,000 units.
At age 18, Robbins became the mother to a son; one month before her high school graduation. She enrolled in Baldwin Wallace's Single Parents Reaching Out for Unassisted Tomorrows, or SPROUT program in 1997, which allowed her to live on campus year-round for the price of room and board. While at the school, Robbins earned a Bachelor's Degree in economics and a minor in political science.
Robbins also created and managed an artist management and booking company called Musical Adventures from 2000 until 2003 providing booking services for 50 bands, including Liars, Xiu Xiu, Flying Luttenbachers, and Stillman's The Party of Helicopters. After a serious health scare in 2003, she took a job at a local bank as a branch banker, eventually working her way up to a position as a financial planner (2008). She was halfway through certification as a certified public accountant when in 2012, and as EarthQuaker Devices occupied every inch of space in her family's basement, she left her day job to join EarthQuaker Devices as it's full-time business manager.
The company's current workforce currently reaches over 50 individuals, and has been praised for its commitment to inclusion, diversity and cooperation with other pedal manufacturers by Best Guitar Effects.
BRANDS / SHOPS / BANDS / OTHER MENTIONS
EarthQuaker Devices / Ibanez / Strymon / Eventide / JHS / Fender / Guitar Center / Reverb / Heather Bickford - Death By Audio / Cathy Begien - Datachoir Sounds / St. Vincent / LG (Lauren Gilbert) - Thelma & the Sleaze - Queen of Shit Mountain / Dolly Parton / Refinery29
JULIE’S / EARTHQUAKER DEVICES’ LINKS
Website
Youtube
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Text2Tone Hotline
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Email Newsletter
Sexual harassment video from the ‘90s (you’re welcome!)
CREDITS
Julie’s Bumper Track: “Westwood Overdrive and Levitation Reverb” pedal demo by Jamie Stillman - EarthQuaker Devices
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri
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