Sweetwater's Mike Clem and Chuck Surack Named to Indiana's 250 Most Influential Business Leaders

FORT WAYNE, Indiana. [Wednesday, July 22, 2026] – Sweetwater Sound President and CEO Mike Clem and Founder and Chairman of the Board Chuck Surack have been named to the Indianapolis Business Journal's list of Indiana's 250 Most Influential Business Leaders, the publication announced today.

Clem was recognized for his leadership of Sweetwater, where he has served as CEO since 2023. An early e-commerce pioneer, Clem joined Sweetwater in 2003 to launch its online division and helped build one of the first major music retail websites, helping change the music retail industry's dynamics from local music stores to a national online marketplace, establishing an innovative model built on deep product expertise and a customer experience that rivals in-person shopping. A nearly $2B company, Sweetwater is now the nation's largest online retailer of musical instruments, home audio equipment, and content creator gear.

Surack was honored as a civic leader for his impact through Surack Enterprises, a holding company with 20 businesses. He founded Sweetwater in 1979, selling a majority stake in the company in 2021 but has stayed on as Chairman of the Board of the organization. His civic work includes Pearl Street Arts, a nonprofit he opened in 2024 that provides musical and educational opportunities to the Fort Wayne community regardless of ability to pay.

The Indiana 250 was developed and published by IBJ Media, the parent company of three news brands: Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside Indiana Business and Indiana Lawyer. News leaders and staff from all three publications contributed to the selections. IBJ Media accepted nominations, researched executives and companies, and interviewed state, industry and community leaders as part of the process, though final selections were made by IBJ Media editors and staff.

About Sweetwater

The number one online retailer for music makers, Sweetwater is trusted and beloved by millions of musicians, audio engineers, teachers, band and orchestra directors, and podcasters who rely on the company to help advance their musical and creative journeys. From beginners to rock stars, music makers everywhere seek out Sweetwater’s industry-leading expertise, including in-depth product videos to inform their purchases and unrivaled post-care support. Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and founded in 1979, Sweetwater Sound, LLC credits its four decades of growth to its 2,500 employees and its deep understanding of the profound connection that music makers have with their craft, their gear, and the creative process. Sweetwater is amplifying change through music and lifting up communities by creating, empowering, and caring about the music makers of tomorrow and today. For more information, visit Sweetwater.com.