Discover something new in Indiana every week. Join the newsletter.

Discover something new in Indiana every week. Join the newsletter.

Innovation and Passion: The Sweetwater Sound Story

Sweetwater Sound CEO Mike Clem shares the Fort Wayne music retailer's journey, from entrepreneurial beginnings to becoming an e-commerce industry leader.

Podcast Summary

In this episode of Get IN., we delve into the story of Sweetwater Sound with its President and CEO, Mike Clem. Recorded at Sweetwater's headquarters in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the conversation covers Clem's early introduction to entrepreneurship and his journey through the evolving landscape of retail e-commerce. Mike shares insights into Sweetwater's unique business model, which emphasizes personalized customer relationships and expertise in the musical gear sector. The discussion also explores Sweetwater's strategies for overcoming challenges during economic recessions and the pandemic, highlighting how strategic flexibility and a focus on customer value have driven sustainable growth.

Additionally, the episode sheds light on Sweetwater's investment in community and education, positioning the company as more than just a retailer but a vibrant hub for music makers and creators. Mike discusses the company's commitment to embracing technology, the importance of building a strong company culture, and Sweetwater's role in fostering a supportive environment for musicians. Listeners will gain insights into the convergence of technology, music, and entrepreneurship, the evolution of the music industry, and the future directions of the music and sound industry, including spatial audio and creator economies.

Guest(s)

Mike Clem

Date Published

April 3, 2024

This podcast is sponsored by

Sweetwater

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Related Get IN. Podcasts

Bryan Mills shares 40 years of healthcare leadership at Community Health Network, from accountant to CEO, plus insights on Indiana's healthcare future.

Business & Economy

|

01:16:25

text

text

Bryan Mills shares 40 years of healthcare leadership at Community Health Network, from accountant to CEO, plus insights on Indiana's healthcare future.

Business & Economy

|

01:16:25

text

text

Bryan Mills shares 40 years of healthcare leadership at Community Health Network, from accountant to CEO, plus insights on Indiana's healthcare future.

Business & Economy

|

01:16:25

text

text

Discover how Teachers Credit Union became Everwise and why this South Bend institution still believes in community-first banking after 94 years.

Business & Economy

|

01:07:47

text

text

Discover how Teachers Credit Union became Everwise and why this South Bend institution still believes in community-first banking after 94 years.

Business & Economy

|

01:07:47

text

text

Discover how Teachers Credit Union became Everwise and why this South Bend institution still believes in community-first banking after 94 years.

Business & Economy

|

01:07:47

text

text

Brandon Noll of Plug and Play shares how Warsaw became the Orthopedic Capital of the World and why Silicon Valley is betting on Indiana startups.

Business & Economy

|

01:17:56

text

text

Brandon Noll of Plug and Play shares how Warsaw became the Orthopedic Capital of the World and why Silicon Valley is betting on Indiana startups.

Business & Economy

|

01:17:56

text

text

Brandon Noll of Plug and Play shares how Warsaw became the Orthopedic Capital of the World and why Silicon Valley is betting on Indiana startups.

Business & Economy

|

01:17:56

text

text

High Alpha co-founder Kristian Andersen talks Indy's identity crisis, tech entrepreneurship, and making Indianapolis Speed City.

Business & Economy

|

01:22:08

text

text

High Alpha co-founder Kristian Andersen talks Indy's identity crisis, tech entrepreneurship, and making Indianapolis Speed City.

Business & Economy

|

01:22:08

text

text

High Alpha co-founder Kristian Andersen talks Indy's identity crisis, tech entrepreneurship, and making Indianapolis Speed City.

Business & Economy

|

01:22:08

text

text

Brad Colver and Lisa Ellis share how Four Finger Distillery grew from a backyard hobby to a craft spirits brand with locations in Noblesville and Lebanon.

Business & Economy

|

00:44:47

text

text

Brad Colver and Lisa Ellis share how Four Finger Distillery grew from a backyard hobby to a craft spirits brand with locations in Noblesville and Lebanon.

Business & Economy

|

00:44:47

text

text

Brad Colver and Lisa Ellis share how Four Finger Distillery grew from a backyard hobby to a craft spirits brand with locations in Noblesville and Lebanon.

Business & Economy

|

00:44:47

text

text

Elements Financial CEO John Huesing talks credit unions vs banks, small business lending, and investing in Indiana communities.

Business & Economy

|

01:18:16

text

text

Elements Financial CEO John Huesing talks credit unions vs banks, small business lending, and investing in Indiana communities.

Business & Economy

|

01:18:16

text

text

Elements Financial CEO John Huesing talks credit unions vs banks, small business lending, and investing in Indiana communities.

Business & Economy

|

01:18:16

text

text

Podcast

Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

Podcast

Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

Podcast

Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.
A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.