Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeffrey Riccio.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m approaching 40 years in the entertainment business. Started in radio in 1979 with a successful run at being on air and the music director at WHJY through the early 80’s.
Switched over to band management in the late 80’s. Was able to tour the world with some very talented bands, one of which, Peter Himmilman, took me on a 2-month tour of South Central Asia in 1988 years before the USSR broke up. 1989 saw me switch over to music merchandising fulltime allowing me to see North America block by block.
Was able to tour with Gun’s and Roses, Allman Bros, Metallica, Faith No more and countless other bands working for the biggest merch company in the world at the time, Brockum. As I was looking to get off the road in the mid 90’s I was lucky enough to hook up with a remarkable guy who had started a merch company, JSR, out of his garage.
It was starting to take off and I called at the right time. I became a partner not long after. It just grew from there as we worked again with some incredible artists like Dropkick Murphys, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Andrea Bocelli, Jackson Browne, CSN, countless Metal and alternative rock bands.
Around 2012, as the music business changed we were looking to change as well. Again timing was perfect as we started to work with Broadway. The relationship we had with Creative Goods that were dealing directly with some of the biggest acts on Broadway and eventually the biggest, Hamilton, blossomed to such a level we had to work closer together. Hence the formation of Forward Merch. I’m president and co-owner with some incredible people.
Has it been a smooth road?
There’s always some challenges when you’ve been doing it this long. Whenever you part ways with a client or employee for whatever reason is always tough. 2008 was not a barrel of laughs. I’m reluctant to use the word struggles though because we’ve had a blast every step of the way.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Forward Merch/JSR Merchandising – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a full-service entertainment merchandising company. Handling the merchandising needs of one of our clients, most of which have a global impact, means you are servicing and maintaining their web store, printing and shipping to retail outlets and most importantly, their needs while they are touring. We are unique in that we do most of our printing and art design in-house.
Most merchandising companies sub out their printing and embroidery as well as their creative input. Keeping it in-house means nothing leaves the building without passing a strict list of standards. Our in-house artists and production staff are some of the best in the world. Gutsy statement but I stand by it. Working with as many metal bands as we do, their artwork is ALWAYS detailed. There’s no other option but to be the best at what we do.
Our turn around time is also top notch. That is crucial for an artist that is on tour. They have an unexpected sellout in Missoula MT you want to make sure they have reinforcements by Spokane WA. Finally, the passion of everybody who walks into our building is overwhelming. You don’t stick around for a quarter century without that.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best is the “I don’t give a damn whether you like us” attitude. What I like least, parking.
Contact Info:
- Address: 111 Venture Drive Dover NH 03820
- Website: www.Fowardmerch.com www.jsrdirect.com
- Phone: 603-742-5377 ext 247
- Email: Jeff@jsrdirect.com
- Instagram: jsr_merchandising
- Facebook: facebook/jsrdirect/
- Twitter: twitter.com/jsrdirect
Image Credit:
Pat Maguire
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