Ryan Haines
Ryan Haines
I was born and raised in Slidell, Louisiana, but moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana when I was 12 years old. I started playing the trumpet in middle school and led the trumpet section in High School marching band. It was during this time I was introduced to the guitar. Immediately I started a band and we played every weekend. I always loved music growing up, but never thought it would become my career.
Throughout high school and college I played at open mic nights, coffee shops and at church on the weekends. After graduating I became a worship pastor and helped plant a church in Kendallville, IN. In this position I was able to connect with various musicians. I began writing and recording songs, played in a stadium and advanced my music to levels I never dreamed of. I grew as an artist, and was able to help others along their musical journey as well. This career unearthed a passion in me I didn’t know existed. I love helping musicians!
I love the way that music brings people together. It is an unspoken language that can immediately connect you with someone you have never met before. I have been an associate technical director for a 3,000 person church where I designed their lighting and impletented I-MAG. I have played for thousands of people, and also set up a mobile church every weekend for years. All of these experiences had one common thread. Music was at the center of everything we did.
With all my experiences, I can easily relate to most musicians. I have been a part of bands where riders and professionalism are just as important as having fun. I have also put in the hard work of setting up an entire PA system weekly to help a community engage in worship. I know what it takes to build your dreams and advance your career as a musician. I hope to hear about your musical journey and know, together, we can make your dreams come true.
As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, please let me know anytime I can offer help or advice.
(800) 222-4700 ext 3992
E-mail Ryan-
What was your occupation before coming to Sweetwater?
Prior to working at Sweetwater I worked in both the music and corporate industry. I worked as a worship pastor where I learned all about live audio, video, and lighting systems and how to create an experience that would make a lasting impression. I also worked at Ash Brokerage on their creative marketing team, where I learned all about live streaming, videography/video switching, and professional production.
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Why did you first apply for a job at Sweetwater?
For years I was a Sweetwater Sponsor. I loved buying new gear and using it while I was a worship leader. After transitioning to the corporate world of creative marketing, I began working with live streaming and while I enjoyed the market, my passion for music was calling me to make a change. I had thought about working at Sweetwater for years, and decided it was time to pursue my deepest passion.
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Technical strengths:
Guitarist, Pedal Head, Tone Junkie
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Instruments you play:
I play Guitar, Bass, and have been learning Keys for the last 2 years.
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Gear you own:
I own a total of 5 guitars. For electrics, I own 2 Gretsch Guitars (a limited edition Cadillac green hollowbody G5422TG and a 59 Vintage Select Duo Jet G6129T) and a Thinline Telecaster. For acoustics, I own a Martin GPCP and my pride and joy, a Gibson J-45. I also own an Ibenez Gio series Bass guitar. I have a great selection of amps including a Supro 1600 Supreme, Morgan MVP23, Fender Blues Jr III, and a Kemper Lunchbox. I also have a variety of pedals including; Strymon Timeline, two Eventide H9’s, Boss-DD500, Strymon Flint, Strymon El Capistan, Strymon Riverside, Jackson Audio Prism, and everything is controlled using the Boss MS-3 multi effects switcher. For mixing and recording I own an Apollo 8 interface and use Luna and ProTools as my DAWs. I use 2 JBL E305s as my reference monitors. I own a couple different microphones as well including; Bluebird SL, sE2200, Encore 300, and a Sennheiser 906.
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Family info:
I have been married to my wife since 2014, and we have one beautiful daughter who was born in 2018. My family is the only passion I have above music. My wife has a beautiful voice, and my daughter has also shown a passion for music.
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Other stuff we should know about you (hobbies, talents, interests, etc.):
In addition to music, I love photography! I have been shooting for years and enjoy playing with different lighting and product photography. Check out my instagram if you want to see some of my work @ryanpaulhaines. I also love playing golf and soccer in my free time in addition to working out in the gym.
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What in your background prepared you most to help your customers with their audio needs?
I was a worship pastor for a number of years. During this time I was able to help people advance their musical journeys. This was one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. I love watching people fall more in love with music. I have also served on a variety of bands and have a wide experience from playing on stage to producing a show and running lighting and video systems.
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What's the biggest gig you've ever played?
I played twice at the coliseum behind two amazing keynote speakers; Tim Tebow and Kirk Cousins. The house was packed for both of these events with around 15,000 people in attendance. I organized the backline and played guitar for the band Newsong.
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Who are some of the notable artists you've worked with?
Working with the group Newsong was one of the highlights of my career. I received great coaching from them and really enjoyed getting to play golf with them.
Interview with Ryan...
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Ryan is really great! Got follow up emails, ph calls, inquiring about my satisfaction and offers of support. My first time ordering from Sweetwater, and what a tremendous difference from literally everyone else. Will absolutely be buying from Ryan and Sweetwater again.
Gerald from Vancouver, WA
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I would have wasted soooo much money buying gear if Ryan had not helped me. Turns out, I was able to buy more equipment on my audio list because I did not have to buy and rebuy the wrong gear. Thanks Ryan.
Julie from Mayfield, KY
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I recently set up my home studio from the ground up. I had done my homework and thought I knew what I wanted/needed. When I called Sweetwater I spoke with Sales Engineer Ryan Haines who, fortunately for me, is much smarter and FAR more knowledgeable on the subject. He walked me through my selections one-by-one and gave me detailed insight as to the pros and cons of each piece, recommending alternatives if he thought something would suit my needs better both now and in the long run. He recommended equipment that would grow with me, and not need constant upgrading. Maybe I shouldn't say this but...Ryan actually saved me money by recommending equipment that was cheaper than what I had initially wanted. This, to me, is what makes Ryan such an exceptional sales engineer and person. He not only (very patiently) educated me on the equipment, but he sold me exactly what I TRULY needed instead of taking advantage of my ignorance on the subject. As a result, I now have a home studio that will last me for years. It's experiences like this that create loyal and returning customers, and I guarantee that I'll be a loyal and returning Sweetwater customer because of Ryan.
Adam from Alexandria, VA
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Excellent customer service, excellent product, excellent staff! I love that I can always reach a live person with questions. I always get individual treatment.
Kathy from Wilmington, NC
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Absolutely amazed by the personal service on our order! It is obvious customer satisfaction is a priority. Your company would be the first place we would look for music related items. Great prices, great service and BTW, even the little touch of adding some candy made my kids very pleased! Thank you!
David from Renton, WA
