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My Commitment to You: To develop and create user friendly products that serve as fun and effective learning tools. Through these products, help build an online music community where people support, encourage and work together to develop the skills necessary to reach their musical goals, whatever they may be.
A Bit of History: While John had the basic concept for Rock House, he still needed a partner that would complement his style. I had the unique combination of leadership, analytical and creative strengths that John was looking for, and best of all I am a life long friend of John’s wife, Cathy. John and I formed our partnership – Fred Russell Publishing, LLC – in September 2002.
Prior to joining Rock House, I served as group publisher for the Video Division of United Entertainment Media in Manhattan, overseeing four trade publications, seven web sites, and special projects. I managed all aspects of the division's publications, including: editorial, production, art, sales, marketing, product development, P&L, and strategic industry relationships. At 29 years old, I was the youngest publisher in the history the company and the industry my products served.
What I saw when I signed on as John’s partner was that most internet companies were still striving to make internet only businesses work. Time and again, this strategy has proven in effective. What Rock House brings to the market, I believe will fast become a model of the next generation of internet companies. We’re more concerned with putting hard goods in the hands of people than we are in getting caught in the abyss of the internet. By applying this strategy it’s a win win for everyone.
Why I Do It: I love music and mixing up the creative stew. I don’t play any instruments, but I deejay as a hobby. Club music is more my speed; no Electric Slide in my repertoire.
Rock House lets me combine all of the things I like in a professional setting. A member of Corporate America for 15 years, I finally realized that it wasn’t me, anymore. It had its benefits, but it had many trappings, too: ungodly hours, meaningless work, loads of travel, and office politics.
I wanted something more meaningful; something that would actually benefit people. When John presented The Rock House Method concept, I was sold. The timing was right, and the idea was extraordinary!
My View of the Music Scene: The music industry (instrument, recording and education) has changed significantly in recent years. The traditional channels have given way to the Internet, and its expansion. An abundance of content is available at the click of a mouse.
At Rock House, we’ve created a unique business model, tapping into several markets. With an original approach to delivering content, we are committed to our customer base, while nurturing a rapidly expanding Web community of musicians.
Personal Philosophy: Peace, Love and Soul (inscribed in my wedding band), sprinkled with a little splash of Funk!
Personal Stuff: I was born and raised in West Harrison, NY. I graduated from Harrison High School in 1982, and received my Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications in 1988 from Emerson College in Boston.
I married by best friend, Alexandra, in November 1996. After years of world travel and infamous partying, we had our first child, Dante Joseph, in December 2003, and a baby girl named Darla in September 2005. The four of us reside in White Plains, NY.
Things I Really Love: My family, traveling the world, I’ve visited most of the 50 states and many places around the world including Italy, Amsterdam seven times (yes, I’m still alive), Paris, London, Spain (Ibiza, now you’re getting the picture, I like to party) Turkey, Switzerland, China, Africa, Canada, Puerto Rico, and still counting! |