American Way Marketing, LLC (AWM), a music accessory wholesale distributor and producer based in Elkhart, Indiana, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Ricci, MBA to President & CEO and Susan Laffoon to Vice President. Kathy Donahoe remains on the management team as CFO and Managing Partner. Tim Ricci and Jakob V. Wolff also remain as Partners.
Ricci has been in the music industry for almost 20 years, working in various roles at Music & Arts in Frederick, MD, most recently Director of Merchandising & Proprietary Merchandise before joining AWM in2018 as Vice President. Ricci also completed his MBA shortly before joining AWM. He enjoys working with customers, vendors, product management and always has a hands-on approach working with his team. “I look forward to following in Kathy’s footsteps providing excellent customer service and brand representation with our amazing team of people. We pride ourselves to improve each day and always do our very best, and I plan on continuing that.” In his free time, Ricci enjoys playing golf terribly, studying martial arts with his children, and most of all having adventures with his wife Hannah and three kids.
Laffoon has over eight years of experience within the company in various roles, most recently holding the position of Customer Relations Manager where her responsibilities included managing all customer service aspects of the company and managing the company’s direct mail, email and social media presence. She also managed the relationships with AWM’s extensive export customer base. Laffoon is also an accomplished graphic artist, handling all of the packaging and digital assets for AWM’s Superslick, Faxx, Spacefiller and Luthier’s Choice brands, as well as all private label artwork for AWM’s dealer network. She enjoys camping with her husband, savoring a great cup of coffee, and snuggling with her 4 cats in her leisure time. “Working alongside Kathy and Tim, I feel deeply grateful and privileged to contribute to the rich legacy of AWM as Vice President. Since becoming a part of the team in 2015, my career has been nurtured by continuous personal and professional development. Looking ahead, I’m inspired by the empowering Captain Marvel motto, “Higher, Further, Faster!” – a mantra that encapsulates our commitment and dedication to excellence. Surrounded by our incredible team, I am excited to further our journey in this amazing industry.”
AWM has also recently completed an expansion to the building of over 7,000 square feet, making the total operation almost 23,000 square feet with 45 team members. The expansion was to allow for further product additions with more dedicated shipping space as well as accommodate the expansive custom packaging/ kitting operation and Superslick / Spacefiller musical instrumental lubrication manufacturing.
“As the AWM leadership baton is passed on, I have complete confidence that both Tim and Susan will continue to support AWM’s customer-centric focus. We have a very talented team in place.…my heart sings of the beautiful future we have in front of us!” Kathy comments.