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Taylor Guitars
Speaker: Charlie
Redden, Purchasing Manager at Taylor Guitars
Established in 1974, Taylor Guitars
has evolved from a small venture between co-founders
Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug into the world’s
most successful and highly regarded manufacturer of
high-end acoustic guitars. The company pioneered the
use of computer technology, lasers, and other high-tech
tools to craft acoustic guitars with unparalleled
precision and consistency. The resulting blend of
cutting-edge production and hands-on attention to
detail has distinguished Taylors as some of the most
beautiful, easy-to-play, and musically inspiring acoustic
guitars in the world. The company’s recent introduction
of its new SolidBody electric guitar is an excellent
example of Taylor and Listug’s willingness to
innovate and their dedication to furthering the art
of guitar building.
Based in El Cajon, California, Taylor currently employs
over 400 people and produces over 300 guitars per
day. Many of today’s most popular musicians
play Taylors, including Dave Matthews, Prince, Taylor
Swift, Clint Black, Jewel, Jason Mraz, Sarah McLachlan,
the Goo Goo Dolls, Alan Jackson, George Strait, and
Pearl Jam.
Charlie Redden, our guest speaker, is the Purchasing
Manager at Taylor Guitars and is responsible for all
procurement, including raw materials, packaging, maintenance,
repair and operating supplies and services, capital
equipment, print advertising, and most marketing products
and services. His experience began as the packaging
and MRO buyer at Amazon.com in Seattle during the
dot.com boom of 1998 – 2002. From 2002 through
2005, Redden was the Purchasing Agent at Oberto Sausage
Company, also known as “Oh Boy! Oberto,”
the leading producer of beef jerky and other meat
snacks. His main area of responsibility was managing
the procurement, logistics, and USDA regulations for
producing and importing semi-finished product from
South America.
Charlie will present the many challenges, techniques,
and social/cultural issues of procuring exotic woods
suitable for tone, aesthetics, design, and production
on high-end acoustic and electric guitars. In addition,
he will present the various forms of technology and
innovation Taylor uses to create their world-class
guitars. Come join us for this exciting presentation!
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