A SINCERE THANK YOU...

I realize that in today's world, it is almost the industry standard to display a larger than life image of yourself. It is almost unheard of to publicly admit that you need someone, or appreciate someone for fear that some of your "bad-ass" image might be softened. However in my humble opinion, the world would be a much better place, if people simply took the time to say...thank you!

I have always tried to go out of my way to be respectful and courteous to others, in the hopes that whatever I sent out into the world, would eventually come back to me. However, at the end of the day, I too, am only human. There have been many times when I have often thought "...what about me?"

Over the last few months, I have been completely blown away at the lengths certain people have gone for me. And I would like to take a moment to thank them.

Bryan Hitt (Drummer for REO Speedwagon) has been a Ludwig endorser for around 15 years. It is very difficult to earn that kind of support. In this industry, the only thing you truly have is your name. Once it becomes tarnished, it is tarnished forever! With that in mind, most people don't like to "recommend," or put their name behind something, for fear that it will come back on THEM if something goes wrong!

After seeing me perform one show and meeting with me briefly, Bryan chose to put his good name behind me. He called Todd Trent at The Ludwig Drum Company to inform him of my playing, and to ask him to consider signing me as a Ludwig Endorser. (To those that have never pursued an endorsement contract, let me just say that it is not like telling your buddy about a shoe-sale at the mall!!) This is a very serious business! You are asking a company to align themselves with you AND your reputation...let alone give you free drums!!

A few days later, I received a very supportive email from Bryan's drum tech, and custom drum engraver, John Aldridge. John is known for his "Not-So-Modern-Drummer" fame, but is better known for his custom drum engraving. John also has a close relationship with Todd Trent, because he has added his touches to the newest Ludwig Black Beauty Limited Edition snare drum. He has worked with everyone from Kenny Aronoff to Bill Ludwig III. For a legend like John, to speak so favorably of my playing is a true honor...

After meeting Bryan and John, I called Pro-Mark to reorder some sticks (I have been a Pro-Mark endorser for several years). There I spoke with Mark Petrocelli, who has treated me like a king since the first day I signed with them. I told him in passing, that I had sent a package to Todd Trent at Ludwig. Mark called me on the phone a few days later to tell me that he had taken it apon himself to speak to Todd in person to ask him to consider signing me as a Ludwig Endorser...

Having people like Bryan Hitt, John Aldridge and Mark Petrocelli put their names behind me and recommend that I be accepted into the Ludwig family will forever be one of the highest points of my career. I've always had to fight very hard to get what I've needed, but I've usually found a way to get the job done. However, for people that I have so much respect for to go so far above and beyond the call of duty for me almost brings tears to the eyes of someone that has always had to do it all alone.

I am forever thankful...

I would also like to personally thank Todd Trent at Ludwig Drums. You have been a true gentleman to work with, and I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with you.

I remember when my parents would take me to the music store to buy drumsticks, or maybe a cowbell for my birthday...and I would look on the walls and see posters of guys like Ed Shaughnessy, John Bonham, and Alex Van Halen playing these massive Ludwig drum kits... and I dreamed of someday being among them.

Thank you for believing in me...