MEET YOUR BAND

Gary Ciocci Managing Director

gary@premierguitar.com

With more than 25 years in pub-

lishing, 12 of them in the music

industry, Gary Ciocci brings a deep

understanding of the relationship between a publi-

cation, its audience and its advertisers. His experi-

ence includes art direction, design, production, ad

creation, marketing, circulation, advertising sales,

and sales management. Ciocci’s has worked with

clients ranging from small guitar shops to IBM and

Dell. As a guitarist, Ciocci considers himself more

of a guitar owner than a guitar player. Through his

personal interest and profession, he has developed

an appreciation of the clients and the products

used by readers.

Matt Charles Director, Business Development

matt@premierguitar.com

Matt oversees the advertising sales

effort and is a 17 year veteran of

the pro audio & musical instrument

magazine publishing industry. He’s an avid bass

player and owns a recording & rehearsal studio in

Manhattan.

Shelby Kraus Marketing Director

shelby@premierguitar.com

Dubbed “the herder of cats,” Shelby attempts to keep the crew together (with minimal success). But, as

Director of Marketing evangelizing all things PG keeps her pretty busy. Shelby has had similar responsibilities in the non-profit world and was an account supervisor for Eastern Iowa’s largest advertising agency. She’s never been in a band, (unless you count playing clarinet in concert band) but sang for many years. If you get a chance to chat with her, she doesn’t have laryngitis, she always sounds like Kim Carnes.

With his broad background in writing, media and marketing, Jon remains at heart an unabashed music junkie. His 20-year career is an outgrowth of his interests as a guitarist and bassist. Through it all he’s built strong relationships with musicians and helped promote the instruments and music-making technology they use.

Jon Levy Managing Director jon@premierguitar.com

Lee Ann Leytem Project Manager leeann@premierguitar.com

With a background of sales, marketing and graphic design, Lee Ann takes care of dotting all “I’s” when it comes to our advertiser programs, as well as managing the production of print materials. Other interests include drawing, cartooning, photography, calligraphy, engraving, etching, computer graphics, reading, assorted crafts, scrapbooking, writing and learning…leaving her little time for work!

Brett Petrusek Senior Account Executive brett@premierguitar.com

Brett handles many of PG’s accounts, and has been a professional musician for over 15 years. He is currently performing with his new group, Downtread, and is an avid gear freak, specializing in high-gain equipment.

Trent Salter Publisher trent@premierguitar.com

Trent is the founding member of PG from its inception in 1995 as Midwest Musicians Hotline. A veteran guitar player and professional musician for nearly 30 years, Trent has toured professionally and still performs an average of 50 shows per year. Trent is also an accomplished FOH Engineer and has vast knowledge of the gear marketplace.

Dave Westin Retail Sales Manager dave@premierguitar.com

Hey Y’all - this is Dave Westin. A graduate of San Diego State University, with a major in Business Administration and Philosohy, he’s traveled the world, seeking thrills in things like extreme skiing, skydiving, base jumping and race car driving. Dave also loves music and finds working with the guitar industry folks to be extremely fulfilling - it’s great to be a part of something that helps people to live their dreams! Rock on.