MEET THE TEAM

Meet the folks who make it happen! Sales, customer service, and beyond—see and hear it from the people behind the scenes! Here at Chicago Music Exchange we're all musicians or music fans so feel free to ask any of us your burning questions!

Andrew Yonke

Chief Executive Officer

Well I ain't always right but i've never been wrong, and it seldom turns out the way it does in a song. Once in awhile you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right!

Favorite Gear: 1959 Gibson ES 355 in FACTORY BLACK!!

Favorite Concert: 2017 Farm Aid
- Neil Young's set with Promise of
the Real as his band. INSANE.

Alex Chadwick

Store Manager

Singer, songwriter, journeyman, and poet laureate, Alex has spent the better part of his last fifteen years playing guitar, and his last ten putting the right ones in your hands. With a habit for making any guitar sound exemplary, Alex is our man for Strats, Teles, and vintage Fender bass.

Favorite Gear: 1974 Fender Stratocaster Mocha

Favorite Concert: Levon Helm at Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN (2008)

Joel Bauman

Gibson Guitars & Effects Guru

Originally calling Kalamazoo, Michigan home, Joel grew up a mere ten minute drive from the original Gibson factory. A connoisseur of 70's prog-rock, NBA basketball enthusiast, and singer/guitarist for sci-fi yacht metal band Royale, this straight-shooter will put the right gear in your hands every time.

Favorite Guitar: Gibson Moderne

Favorite Concert: Grizzly Bear at the Riviera in Chicago (2012) or Mastodon at the Metro (2006)

David Azizinamini

Guitar Specialist

The more amps and pedals you have on stage at one time the better!

Favorite Gear: 1959 Jazzmaster

Favorite Concert: The Twilight Sad....I haven't seen them yet, but I already know it's my favorite show.

Phil Hunger

Keys & Synth Guru

Im a hoarder of gear and records. Ride motorcycles, bake pastries, play psych rock and ambient electronic music.

Favorite Gear: Korg Monopoly, Vox Royal guardsman, 2002 MIM Strat, Jordan bosstone fuzz

Favorite Concert: Damo Suzuki, Empty Bottle 2007

Josh Dugue

Acoustic Gutiar Specialist

Favorite Gear: 1965 Gibson SG

Special Favorite Concert: Smashing Pumpkins 1997

Scott Tooredman

Bass Guitar Specialist

Zach Avery

Guitar Specialist

As a Minnesota native, Zach began playing shows around the Twin Cities at age 13. He learned his chops between the St. Paul School of Rock and the city’s Rock n Blues circuit; eventually competing in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge two years in a row. He now fronts a band under his own name, and plays all around Chicago.

Favorite Gear: Heritage H-535 (Antique Natural)

Favorite Concert: Rolling Stones at TCF Bank Stadium (2015)

Karl Neurauter

Acoustic Guitar Specialist

Hailing from the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago - you can either find Karl in our acoustic room, or performing somewhere around town. He's also a fan of craft beer, cold brew coffee, and carbs.

Favorite Gear: 1953 Gibson J-45

Favorite Concert: Fleet Foxes at The Chicago Theatre

Geoff Tinta

Guitar Specialist

Favorite Gear: 1965 Gibson SG

Special Favorite Concert: Smashing Pumpkins 1997

Jason Freeman

Guitar Specialist

A native to chicago Jason has been involved in the chicago studio scene since 2010 after graduating from Full Sail's recording arts program and has spent the last 14 years playing guitar in several bands around the city.

Favorite Gear: My Custom TSmith 7 string tele

Favorite Concert: Whitechapel 10 year anniversary tour at the Rave

Daniel Escauriza

Vintage Product Manager and Head Buyer

As the manager and head buyer of the vintage and used inventory here at CME, Daniel tells people all the time that he has the best job on planet Earth. He enjoys working closely with his fantastic team as they acquire inventory and obsess over curating the best vintage collection possible, while sharing enjoyable experiences through transparent transactions with clients.

Favorite Gear: Gibson L-00 from 1932 and Carstens Black Flag

Favorite Concert: Gillian Welch and David Rawlings at the Vic in Chicago (2011)

Daniel Albert

Vintage Buyer

Cat enthusiast. Dog petting aficionado.

Favorite Gear: Anything blonde or Sherwood Green.

Favorite Concert: Fleet Foxes at The Chicago Theater, 2017

Mike Larsen

Used & Vintage Buyer

Born & raised on Chicago's Northside, Mike is a lifelong bassist & vintage gear fanatic. Specializing in Fender & Gibson history, he's also a connoisseur of the rare & obscure. When he's not scouring the earth for the the coolest vintage gear, you can probably find him watching the Hawk's game, playing bass in local alt-rock band, LFN, or hanging out with his english bulldog.

Favorite Gear: 61 Stack Knob Jazz Bass

Favorite Concert: Fearless Flyers at Concord Music Hall (2018)

Nik Simic

Vintage Receiving

Favorite Gear: Fender Telecaster through a Deluxe Reverb

Favorite Concert: 1994, Beastie Boys Ill Communication Tour

Kyle Hammond

Drum Specialist

After growing up in a tiny town in rural Illinois for most of his life, Kyle moved to Chicago in 2010 to pursue music. He’s a self-proclaimed lover of loud music and loud drums.

Favorite Gear: Sabian Cymbals

Favorite Concert: Glassjaw at Metro

Liz Flemke

Customer Service Manager

Raised by moose in the great state of Maine, Liz loves helping customers "out of the woods" with any problem that may arise. Along with her love for great gear and psychedelic bands, she spends her free time practicing roundhouse kicks and plotting her next adventure.

Favorite Gear: 68 Coronado with a 90s Jazzmaster neck and Greco humbuckers

Favorite Concert: Roky Erickson and the Black Angels at Park West in 2014

Joseph Soldati

Customer Service

Favorite Gear: Fender Jazz Bass & that new pedal that does the thing.

Favorite Concert: Pat Metheny Unity Band, 2012

Brian Robertson

Shipping Manager

A bass player originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Brian brings his talent and weird sense of humor to the CME shipping department. Brian has been playing musical instruments since the age of 2 — from trumpet to tuba and finally, the bass guitar. He is the go-to-guy when it comes to packing your gear right. Quick with a joke and even quicker to pack up your online order!

Favorite Gear: American Fender Jazz

Favorite Concert: Tool 2006 at the Wolstein Center, Cleveland Ohio

Aaron 'A.C.' Coleman

Warehouse Manager

Michigan transplant. Loves the Detroit Red Wings. Prince super fan.

Favorite Gear: Gretsch drums, Dream Cymbals, Fender basses, Technics 1200

Favorite Concert: The Specials on Warped Tour '98

Jimmy Jawicki

Warehouse Associate

Born into a family of musicians and producers, Jimmy has always felt a strong connection to music. Though currently working on a degree in Computer Science here in Chicago, he is 100% dedicated to getting you the right gear, faster than anyone else in the business.

Favorite Gear: Blue Hofner Shorty

Favorite Concert: 1st Concert - Evanescence

Bob Mullaney

Warehouse Associate

Grown from spores that fell from space. Lived in Chicago all my life and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Received a bass from my gram-diddy (grandma) for my 20th birthday and it was all over from there. Love all music!

Favorite Gear: Darkglass microtubes 900

Favorite Concert: Summer Slaughter 2009 or The Black Crows and Tom Petty

Ryan Palshis

Warehouse Associate

Originally from Crystal Lake, is , Ryan is a self taught harmonicist who also enjoys playing a les Paul in a dirty basement. When he's not rocking he's creating an animated, interactive web comic about a homeless robot. Ryan has been packing and shipping for years so he'll pack your stuff with care and get it to you fast.

Favorite Gear: Hohner special 20 10 hole diatonic harmonica

Favorite Concert: slaughter and the dogs with the Breifs at the fireside bowl back I think 2003.

Victor Thomas

Warehouse Associate

Utterly obsessed with vintage gear and a connoisseur of bad jokes.

Favorite Gear: Aria Pro II RS Inazuma 1985

Favorite Concert: The Chariot | Glass Cloud at Kingdom 2013 - Richmond, VA.

Maddie Bomher

Warehouse Associate

Bassist from age 15 with a Performance degree from Columbia College Chicago. I've played all types of music from blues to metal. Songwriter and producer on guitar and piano. I love creating in general so I started a Youtube channel that takes up most of my free time. I am obsessed with my dog, Chewy and want you to ask to see a picture!

Favorite Gear: Taylor Tz5 Guitar

Favorite Concert: Twenty One Pilots ...ya I said it!

Liz Reyes

Warehouse Receiving Manager

Chicago native, Percussionist, DIY show aficionado.

Favorite Gear: A&F Pancake Snare or Istanbul Agop 30th Anniversary Ride Cymbal

Favorite Concert: Summer Slaughter Tour Chicago 2008 - The Black Dahlia Murder!

Joe Steffek

Warehouse Associate

I work in the receiving department and I sing and play guitar in a band called The Inventors. My dad has 9 fingers.

Favorite Gear: Red Kyser Capo. Never leave home without it.

Favorite Concert: Sharon Van Etten, Thalia Hall, 2-14-19, 2019

Anthony Krecioch

Warehouse Associate

Alec Moore

Warehouse Associate

From Minneapolis. I like playing tasty tunes and hanging out with my Dog.

Favorite Gear: my 1974 Fender Twin Reverb Silverface amp

Favorite Concert: Ty Segall and The Muggers at First Avenue in Minneapolis. 2016

Joseph Laxner

Warehouse Associate

Never met a donut I didn't like.

Favorite Gear: My beat up, busted, Greg Bennett Samick.

Favorite Concert: Yanni Live at the Acropolis. I wasn't there but... if you could just see this tape.

Ryan Smith

Guitar Technician

Distort everything.

Favorite Gear: Fuzz

Tom Galvin

Operations & Integration Specialist

Born and raised on Chicago's South Side, Tom was snuck into bars and pubs by his parents on school nights to play covers since the age of 14. While his main instrument is guitar, he will try to play anything he can get his hands on. When he is not optimizing business processes, you can find him backpacking or fishing in the north woods or wherever he can get off the grid.

Favorite Gear: Tom does not play favorites.

avorite Concert: Neil Young - Chicago Theatre 2008

Laurel Scott

Inventory Specialist

Hi there! I'm Laurel. I grew up in Elmhurst, IL. I graduated from Elmhurst College with a bachelor's degree in Music Business and a strong love for jazz. My main instrument is violin, but I also play mandolin, guitar, and bass. My passion for music started when I was very young (thanks Mom!) and I have never looked back since. When I am not playing or gigging, you can catch me at Logan Square's Cafe Mustache or at home cuddling my cat Ziggy watching endless amounts of Peep Show reruns.

Favorite Gear: 1969 Gibson SG Standard Walnut

Favorite Concert: Christian McBride's New Jawn (2018)

Danny Stankus

Inventory Specialist

Illinois native trying to see the world and make some rock n roll on the way.

Favorite Gear: Fender Hotrod Deville 4X10

Favorite Concert: Thee Oh Sees, Thalia Hall 2017

Alec Johnson

Repairs Manager

Alec was raised on a small farm in Iowa. He studied anthropology in college, but followed his love of music and lutherie to Chicago. Now he spends his days finding the perfect combination of neck relief, string action, and intonation that makes a guitar feel and sound phenomenal.

Favorite Gear: His own one-of-a-kind creations

Favorite Concert: Daddy-O and the Demolition Band at the Yacht Club in Iowa City

Phil Glodek

Guitar Technician

I fix broke stuff.

Favorite Gear: Fender J Bass

Favorite Concert: Radiohead, Lolla ‘08

Dustin Martin

Guitar Technician

An Illinois native and University of Illinois alum, Dustin began working on guitars from a lifelong interest in taking things apart and putting them back together. He developed his tech skills while an apprentice at Specimen Products in Chicago, and now makes sure every guitar he touches at CME plays and sounds the best it can. He's also big on cats and can absolutely crush some Simpsons trivia.

Favorite Gear: Skreddy Lunar Module fuzz

Favorite Concert: Glen Hansard at Millenium Park in 2014

Zack Robinson

Guitar Technician

I enjoy fixing instruments and eating burritos.

Favorite Gear: Mahogany top Single-O style acoustic that I built.

Favorite Concert: Melvins at First Avenue

Logan Bloom

Guitar Technician

Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Logan has been involved in the local music scene since he started playing guitar at age 10. Logan discovered his passion for instrument repair during a brief stint as a high school music teacher in CPS. He now spends his days changing your strings, making sure your necks are straight, and cleaning the grime off your frets and fingerboard - and he wouldn't have it any other way. Besides tinkering with guitars Logan loves bikes, dogs, and coffee.

Favorite Gear: My 1968 Gower "The Nashville" acoustic guitar.

Favorite Concert: Maps & Atlases, Subterranean, 2007

Michael Crotty

Guitar Technician

I like to play.

Favorite Gear: MY Gibson SG

Favorite Concert: War On Women - Halloween 2016 - New Orleans, LA

Daniel Bordonaro

Director of New Product

• I'm a songwriter.
• I have been in music retail virtually uninterrupted since the ripe age of fifteen.
• I'm an uncompromising fan of the Buffalo Bills.
• Most of my favorite music is Canadian.

Favorite Gear: Guild D-55 Antique Burst (mine is a New Hartford-era)

Favorite Concert: Alexisonfire at S.C.E.N.E. Fest 2006 in St Catharines, ON

Gavin Wahl-Stephens

Product Manager

Raised in Portland, Oregon. Moved to Chicago in 2018. Aside from the obvious love of guitars and music, I enjoy comedy, baseball, and family.

Favorite Gear: 1972 Fender Silverface Dual Showman Reverb

Favorite Concert: July 27, 2013 Phish at the Gorge Amphitheater. Very tight that night. Super funky Sneakin' Sally and a 2001 jam that I believe eventually became the basis for Martian Monster. JJ Cale passed away that day and I was really sad about it, so the After Midnight cover was perfect.

Mike Hussa

Drum & Percussion Product Manager

Growing up just outside of Chicago, Mike has always known that he wanted a career involving drums. Now, between working for the Chicago Drum Exchange, playing drums for Blue Man Group Chicago and doing various freelance gigs, he is completely dedicated to working in the field that he is most passionate about.

Favorite Gear: 5.5x14" Ayotte Keplinger Snare

Favorite Concert: A Tribe Called Quest at Pitchfork

Saul Reyes

Product Buyer

I was a dog in at least one past life.

Favorite Gear: Sony A6000

Favorite Concert: Dimmu Borgir at the Vic or Infected Mushroom at the HOB

Joe "The Sherm" Sherman

Amazon Channel Manager

Born in Concord Massachusetts and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago. I grew up a drummer, guitar player and lover of Nintendo. Now you might find me at home experimenting with synthesizers, effects pedals and drum machines. Thanks Radiohead.

Favorite Gear: Fender Rhodes

Favorite Concert: Tame Impala at Red Rocks

Damon Piatt

New Product Coordinator

Josh Corriveau

Lead Product Photographer

Al Robinson

Product Photographer

Will Bristol

Brand Manager

Obsessively following music for the better part of my life, I find joy in all aspects of the art world. Designing and music-ing are definitely my favorite past-times and designing for music is a pretty sweet deal. Ask the right thing and I will ramble for days.

Favorite Gear: My Fender FSR Strat

Favorite Concert: Rilo Kiley at The Moon 2005

Sam Porter

Marketing Photographer

It's Saturday somewhere!

Favorite Gear: My Science Decolonizer 100w Head

Favorite Concert: The Hives at The Metro, white-suit era. IDLES at Lincoln Hall, 2018.

Evan Skorepa

Marketing Associate

Winner of the "Cleveland's Most Photogenic Baby" award 1997

Favorite Gear: My '96 American Standard Strat w/ Lollars and the Roland Juno 106

Favorite Concert: 2008 Van Halen in Columbus or 2015 Dr. Dog at the Riv

Ben Brundage

Marketing Copywriter

Cheap beer, country blues, and writin' good since '87.

Favorite Gear: MaidRite Washboard

Favorite Concert: John Prine - Newport Folk Festival '17

Deb Jawicki

Director of Finance

From Recording Studio Manager to Record Company Executive to Operations Manager here at Chicago Music Exchange, Deb's been in the music biz her whole life. Toss in singer/songwriter, recording artist and vocal coach and you get the whole picture.

Favorite Gear: Neuman U87 & Universal Audio LA-610 Tube Preamp

Favorite Concert: Amnesty International

Dave Piscotti

Accounting & Financing

Favorite Gear: Gretsch Renown Maple kit with DW 6.5 x 14 Collectors Maple Standard snare

Favorite Concert: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic at The Vic 1999

Chris Conway

Accounting Associate

Favorite Gear: My Heritage Sweet 16!

Favorite Concert: Jonathan Kreisberg & Dave Kikoski duo at Piano Forte 2016

Adam Hines

Listings Manager

Beats for sale!

Favorite Gear:
Boss DS-1

Favorite Concert:
Julien Baker at Pitchfork (2018)

Ryder Baumann

Listing Coordinator

Born in Portland, OR in 2001. Little did I know back then, as I was but a youngster, that my future step-father would end up being the second in command, and then in command, of Pro Guitar Shop. This event would kickstart my deep love of pedals and effects. Something that would extend beyond the life of PGS (2004-2017). A legacy that would carry into my brief stint in the fulfillment department at Reverb.com until I found a home at the Chicago Music Exchange. I joined the team in Fall of 2018 and in the brief time I've been here I can already tell how special this place is. If you want to buy from someone who has your back, buy from CME.

Favorite Gear:
DOD FX25 Envelope Filter 1983