Woodstock Chimes Continues Growth on a Global Scale
Woodstock Chimes, a leading manufacturer of musically-tuned windchimes, further substantiates its tagline “The World’s Favorite WindchimeTM” with its exceptional popularity across the globe. The company is currently affiliated with 28 distributors in 20 different countries. The manufacturer’s emerging markets include the Middle East, Central and South America, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Singapore. However, Woodstock’s longest relationships reside in the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, France, Japan, Canada and various locations throughout Europe.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world and experience various cultures, traditions and lifestyles. If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that appreciation for tranquil sounds and quality music transcends them all,” notes Garry Kvistad, founder and owner of Woodstock Chimes. “That’s what sparked my desire to offer our products outside of the United States. Since the very beginning, we’ve been on a very steady growth pattern, especially over the last several years.”
Woodstock Chimes: From Stateside to Global
More than thirty years ago, GRAMMY® Award-Winner, Kvistad reached out to then top Swiss toy designer, manufacturer and distributor, Kurt Naef, about creating a worldwide presence for Woodstock Chimes. After speaking with Naef, the two agreed to meet in Switzerland.
Kvistad played his Chimes of Olympos for Naef, who felt the chime would not appeal to customers and would probably flop at the upcoming show. Discouraged but not defeated, Kvistad requested a tour of Naef’s manufacturing facility. On the tour, Naef showed his modern facility, and requested to see and hear the chime again.
Naef walked onto his balcony, which over saw an animal-filled stable, and held the chime up. The animals flocked toward it. Holding his animals in high regard, Naef said if his animals like it, so will his customers! Naef experienced strong chime sales at the show, which led to the first international partnership for Woodstock Chimes.
Kvistad continued to work with Naef for many years, and his guidance had a significant impact on Woodstock. He was particularly influential in terms of quality, as it was of the utmost importance to the Swiss manufacturer. Naef’s passion for quality remains with Kvistad, and is still felt throughout Woodstock Chimes’ company culture today. Naef also educated Kvistad on various business practices, including surviving the competition and economic downturns.
“I’ll never forget what I learned from Kurt Naef. Not just his passion for quality, but his competitive nature. No matter the competition and state of the economy, he said ‘stick to your core competencies and you will persevere.’ He spoke with confidence, because you cannot diminish the heart and soul of Woodstock Chimes, a company led by professional musicians. We’ve been in business for more than 30 years. Kurt was right. We’re here to stay.”
Like many, Woodstock Chimes experienced slowed growth throughout the recession. However, over the last few years, the company’s international exposure and business has grown. Much of that is attributed to the company’s commitment to quality and desire for evolution throughout the world. As evidence of this continued growth, Woodstock Chimes opened its first sales office and distribution warehouse outside of the US this past February, serving their United Kingdom customers from Chichester, UK.
Much of the company’s international development goes hand-in-hand with Kvistad’s travels as a GRAMMY® Award-Winning musician. He has performed with the internationally acclaimed percussion group, NEXUS, in nearly 30 different countries as well as with fellow GRAMMY® Award-Winner, Steve Reich.
For information or to find an international distributor, please visit woodstockchimes.com/t-internationalcustomers.aspx.
Company Name: Woodstock Percussion, Inc., 167 Dubois Road; Shokan, NY 12481 USA
800.422.4463; www.WoodstockChimes.com
edia Contact: Jillian Lambert; Bultema Lambert Communications
616.656.7500; jillian@bultemalambert.com
About Woodstock Percussion, Inc.: Woodstock Percussion, Inc., makers of Woodstock Chimes, is a leading manufacturer of musically-tuned windchimes, award-winning musical instruments and soothing home and garden décor. GRAMMY® recipient Garry Kvistad and his wife, Diane, created their first product over 30 years ago in New York’s Hudson Valley, where the company continues to design gifts and accessories using superior materials found around the world. The result is a unique collection of nearly 400 different products that bring joyful sounds to people of all ages. Popular collections include: Inspirational Chimes, Precious Stones, Woodstock Gongs, Temple Bells, Woodstock Rainbow Makers™, Asli Arts®, the Woodstock Chimes Music Collection and, of course, its Classic Chimes. For more information on Woodstock Chimes, visit www.WoodstockChimes.com or call (800) 422-4463.
