Ren Ferguson to join CMG as Vice President of Manufacturing and R&D for Guild brand

[6L6]

FANTASTIC! There's an Orpheum in my future!

 

[chazmo]

Ralf,

Fair enough on the intent. In fact there was another thread earlier with some "privileged" information that I left in LTGers only. I didn't see anything in here that didn't belong in the public eye, and I thought condensing the business threads into misc. made some sense. I'm also not sure which Cordoba employees are actually members here (if any) and so I'd like them to be able to see our discussions if they want to (as guests).

Seriously, if you don't like this thread here, or feel somewhat compromised, PM me and we can talk. Let me know if you have any objection.

(also thanks for weighing in, Kim... I didn't think you'd object). -- C

 

[geoguy]

So . . . is Kim also going to be working with Guild after CMG's acquisition is complete?

No disrespect intended to Mr. Ferguson, but I think Kim would provide more continuity re: instrument/tooling design & construction. Ren has a wonderful resume, but he is a short-timer with Guild.

 

[SFIV1967]

Let me know if you have any objection.

No, all cool here

Ralf

 

[jcwu]

So . . . is Kim also going to be working with Guild after CMG's acquisition is complete?

No disrespect intended to Mr. Ferguson, but I think Kim would provide more continuity re: instrument/tooling design & construction. Ren has a wonderful resume, but he is a short-timer with Guild.

It was my understanding that in the corporate ladder/structure, Ren stood a little higher up. This has no bearing on skills or talents, just where they are in the structure of the company. (I might be wrong!)

If my understanding is correct, it would make sense to bring the higher-up guy on board, to show solidarity with leadership, as a sign to those who would follow that they are transitioning into good hands, familiar hands.

 

[JHJ]

Seeing "electric" included in the announcement gladdens my heart. Perhaps the fellows in New Hartford will get job offers. California has a lot going for it.

 

[JHJ]

True!
Ren, JT and Tim are in New Hartford right now. I had a short conversation with them this afternoon and we are all in for a refreshing change in the shepherding of the Guild brand going forward. I didn't hear one bit of conversation about 'moving units' or 'channel pressure' or any other corporate-speak. It was like talking to any other players who are passionate about building guitars and doing it right.

I think it's still too early to think about specific models that will be built out there, but they will have all of the tooling that was built in New Hartford. That's a really big deal. They are still trying to figure out which machines they want to move to Oxnard (which is likely why the deal hasn't closed yet), but I was assured that they are taking the '50's era back press for the arched-back guitars.

We spoke about the LMG events, and I think they will likely continue the tradition out in CA.

CMG will be handling all of the warranty service for Guilds.

They posted a notice this afternoon that they will interview the NH guys for jobs in CA. Awesome.

Guru, jr.

OK...I should have read the entire thread before posting. Having moved my family several times because of career changes, I know what a PIA relocation can be. However, I urge everyone at New Hartford to face this thing with a clear head and eyes wide open. If possible, go to Oxnard. Every time I moved for work, it always put me in a better market with loads more opportunities on all levels of life. Plus, you would be working for guys that live for the art. Best wishes to all. Looks like this might turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

 

[Bobo]

I am so encouraged by all this great news for the Guild brand. It sounds like Cordoba is interested in making high-quality, American-crafted Guild guitars. Excited about the beginning of the Oxnard era!

 

[jeffcoop]

I've moved for work too, and it's a pain even when spouses and children aren't involved; it would be much harder for me to move today than it was when I moved here. That said, I'd think that, after last winter, trading western Connecticut for southern California would be a particularly appealing prospect.

 

[fretless]

great news that they are taking the arch back press!

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

I've moved for work too, and it's a pain even when spouses and children aren't involved; it would be much harder for me to move today than it was when I moved here. That said, I'd think that, after last winter, trading western Connecticut for southern California would be a particularly appealing prospect.

Triple digits and a wee bit smoky at the moment...

 

[adorshki]

True!
Ren, JT and Tim are in New Hartford right now. I had a short conversation with them this afternoon and we are all in for a refreshing change in the shepherding of the Guild brand going forward.

Thanks so much for that feedback from "the horse's mouth". I can't imagine a more perfect fulfillment of my (and many others') complete wish list.
Good luck to everybody out there in getting what they really want, employment -wise!

 

[Scratch]

Glad to hear Ren will continue to influence with his renowned master luthier talents. I understand his original agreement with FMIC was that he did not have to fully relocate. I'm guessing he'll keep the Montana ranch; his (other) passion for firearms doesn't seem to fit the California political culture...

 

[Default]

Rural California has a lot more in common with Texas that it does with LA, I've heard...

 

[Scratch]

Good point, Steve. Lots of rural California folks relocate here and seem to fit right in. Most move to escape the tax burdens, I believe...

 

[Default]

I heard cost of living, and real estate in particular, but could be.

 

[Scratch]

I heard cost of living, and real estate in particular, but could be.

Yep. That too. They sell out; move to Tejas, and retire at 40...

 

[adorshki]

Rural California has a lot more in common with Texas that it does with LA, I've heard...

It's true and it's related to our agricultural backbone, the San Joaquin Valley.

I'm guessing he'll keep the Montana ranch; his (other) passion for firearms doesn't seem to fit the California political culture...

For the same reason cited above, don't you believe a word of it, except for a few scattered but vocal pockets of misguided safety zealots.
Oxnard proper probably has more in common with LA than with the San Joaquin Valley, but give it maybe twenty miles outside town and he'd probably feel right at home, although maybe a wee bit "crowded" (compared to the population density in Montana).
There is, on the other hand, a LOT to be said for coastal California.
We got sea otters, for instance:

And hard-to-beat scenery:

A guy could get used to it.
:sentimental:

 

[SFIV1967]

Triple digits and a wee bit smoky at the moment...

I hope your place is not in the danger zone currently!
Ralf

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

Hi, Ralf...all OK...thanks for asking...just a small local brush fire triggered by a car exhaust...they caught it. Library internet service was out yesterday...exploded transformer somewhere between library and service provider's hub...as long as nobody gets hurt, all is good.