Vern Crews
Vern Crews
I am Vern Crews, Director of Sweetwater's Music Education & Technology division. Our team specializes in servicing the educational sales channel which includes K-12 schools, colleges, universities. We work with music educators, fine arts departments, and performing arts centers nationwide.
I truly enjoy problem solving for my customers and helping them achieve their goals, whether it be in the classroom, on stage, or on the field. The performing arts go far beyond the performer. Technology touches every aspect of the production. For every one super-star, there are dozens of people, sometimes hundreds in the background making it all happen. This is why I believe teaching technology, as it relates to music and the performing arts, is so important.
What my customers get from me is always my very best. I'll do the research if I don't know it and present the information in a concise, objective and easy to understand format or presentation. I promise to think through the process to assist providing solid value added solutions with quality product selections. I understand how difficult it can be securing funds for the performing arts. Therefore, I will challenge them when I don't think they are making a wise decision. It is important to me that we get it right the first time!
As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, please let me know anytime I can offer help or advice.
(800) 222-4700 ext 1950
E-mail Vern-
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Fort Dix, New Jersey. I'm the son of a career military man, a soldier for almost 24 years. We moved frequently throughout most of my early years. I learned how to make friends quickly. It was my humble beginnings learning to listen to people that has been key to my development as a sales professional.
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What was your occupation before coming to Sweetwater?
I managed a 5-store regional musical instrument company based in Akron, Ohio called Lentine's Music. I had also worked as a manufacturer's and independent sales rep within the industry for a number of years. Just some of the brands I've represented are; Audio Technica, Mackie, Denon & Marantz Professional, Fender Audio, Ludwig and Gretsch Drums, Zildjian, Hamer, Takamine & Ovation Guitars, Sabine, Fijitsu Plasma Displays & Listen Technologies to name a few.
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Why did you first apply for a job at Sweetwater?
I had known of and worked with Sweetwater on a number of different levels prior to coming here. I have been in the industry for 28 years and have had the pleasure of knowing the owner of Sweetwater for most of my career. At one point we were friendly competitors. When the opportunity presented itself, I became very interested in being part of the most innovative music and music technology organization in the industry. It has been an amazing fit and I'm extremely proud to be part of the team.
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Technical strengths:
Computers, recording, software, electronic keyboards, pro audio and sound systems, home theater. I can drive a nail straight too!
I programmed my first synthesizer in 1975, and have been hooked ever since! -
Instruments you play:
I am a keyboard player who enjoys playing bass. However, my first instrument was a drum set. I then switched to guitar, back in the day when rhythm funk guitar was some pretty groovy stuff. I eventually switched to keyboards when my uncle, the infamous PeeWee Markette of Birdland fame, gave me a Hammond organ.
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Gear you own:
Digidesign/Avid 003 Control Surface, M-Audio Prokeys 88, Keystudio 49i, Yamaha Motif 6XF & MM6 synthesizers. Monitors include a pair of MR8, BX8, BX5 & HS50 monitors with a variety of subs. Numerous mics, including a Shure KSM353, AT4050, AKG C414XL II, two Rode K2's, a K2000 and NTK. A couple of Takamine acoustics from my rep days and an Ibanez SR Premium bass, I work with Pro Tools, Sonar X2, Acid, Reason, Komplete Ultimate and a number of other software apps
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Family info:
I have a lovely wife, two step daughters, and 4 grandchildren. I also suffer from middle child syndrome... :-)
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Other stuff we should know about you (hobbies, talents, interests, etc.):
I have been in this industry for more than 27 years and have more than 38 years of practical and professional experience as a music technology and audio specialist and as an electronic musician. I am an avid golfer and I enjoy cooking.
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Guilty pleasure of choice:
Authentic Gummy Bears imported from the Black Forest in Germany. Potato chips...
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What in your background prepared you most to help your customers with their audio needs?
I have been in this industry for more than 28 years and bring 40 years of professional and practical experience to the table. I owned a production studio, performed live for more than 20 years, and have learned from some of the best over the years.
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What do you enjoy most about being part of the Sweetwater team?
Being part of a winning team where everyone has the same goal. Do the right thing for the customer!
Interview with Vern...
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Y'all ALWAYS do a great job! I bug Vern Crews to death, but he is always patient and helpful. He helps me find what's right at the right price every time. Besides the candy, I get solid advice on gear that works, and it's priced competitively.
Max from Madison, MS
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I want to (again) offer my thanks and a commendation to Vern Crews. Vern has helped me with outstanding information several times over the past couple of years, and has become one of the major reasons I come back to Sweetwater for my purchases. Keep up the great work!
Robin from Endicott, NY
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Vern - Just wanted to say thank you for all of your help in our recent order of the Anchor audio system. Everything was delivered in perfect shape, and we are all excited to put the system into use next season. It's great to work with such great professionals like yourself, and we will continue to be faithful Sweetwater customers as long as I am here.
Peter from Maplewood, NJ
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I wish to acknowledge and thank my Sweetwater Sound rep, Mr. Vern Crews, for his help with my selection of items to support my teaching this coming school year. Vern has, in my opinion, always been a terrific mix of technical product knowledge and positive customer service skills. He is of the most professional vendors I have ever worked with!
Robert from Elizabethtown, PA
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The service is always exceptional with you all and that’s why we will keep coming back to you! Have an awesome day and I’m looking forward to getting my hands on this equipment.
Aaron from West Columbia, SC
