The James Fox Music Company was started in 1998 when I relocated to the Pacific Northwest. I began my own sales and marketing firm based in the Seattle/Tacoma area of Washington state. My current vendors include ESP Guitars, BBE Sound, Wilson Brothers (Ventures Guitars), Krank amps, Tanglewood Guitars, B&C Speakers, and G&L. My territory coverage includes: CA, OR, WA, NV, AZ, UT, CO, ID, and AK. All dealer inquiries are welcome. 

Akai Musical Instrument Corp. (District Sales Manager)

     Between 1996 and 1998, I was the District Sales Manager for Akai Musical Instrument Corp. (A.M.I.C.). My territory included Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii, with responsibilities that included managing the dealer base (regular store calls, in-store training, and product clinics). I also coordinated national events for the retail chains with hands-on classroom meetings where each participant was able to demo their own product. Within my first year, I had exceeded a 50% sales increase over the previous year. The next two years stabilized with 20% increases. My territory was turned around and became more "Dealer Friendly."

Guitar Center (Hollywood/San Francisco) Sales Manager

Between 1981 and 1996, I was the sales manager during my tenure with Guitar Center. I had a great time and was able to experience, as well as contribute, a great deal in the development of a national retail musical instrument chain. My jobs with Guitar Center ranged from floor sales to manager of the Guitar Center/San Francisco store and sales manager of the Guitar Center/Hollywood store.

Education

     In 1975 I graduated from Tacoma Community Collage with an Associates Degree in Business Administration, then went on to receive an Associates Certificate in Recording Arts at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, CA. I then continued my education by attending UCLA extension classes in Los Angeles where I completed numerous sales and marketing courses.

     My greatest education was gaining the street smarts in the daily operation and sales in a legendary and original music store of Guitar Center/Hollywood.  The 1980’s and 1990’s were unparalleled with meeting legends of the entertainment industry and being involved in sales at the level of Hollywood, Los Angeles, and San Francisco artists.

Related Skills

    I am computer savvy and own both Macintosh and PC based systems. I can use either platform and conform quickly to online needs of other businesses. I have sold and demonstrated Digital and Analog audio equipment for over a decade and have a complete working knowledge of midi and SMPTE based equipment and studios. I have produced profitable results throughout my professional life and enjoy challenging work environments where I can make a difference.