Andy Powers - CEO, president, master designer

[zeebow]

pretty cool but expected, bob and kurt step down from their roles as andy powers assumes both of their roles

i really admire andy’s desire to go against the paradigm - it’s very much the same spirit that bob had (bolt on neck, cnc machining). i look forward to what changes he brings to taylor, im a huge fan of his philosophy on the builder edition, it’s player focused - silent satin is a joy to hold, it doesn’t stick to you when you get sweaty, it doesn’t create all this noise when recording. chamfered edges makes playing long hours comfortable.

i was so lucky to have met and talked to andy, he’s every bit as intelligent, calm and humble in real life as he is in the videos.

bravo!!!

https://youtu.be/wckVIgo4ohk

[Guitarsan]

I watched that too, I saw you were there. 

While Andy is deserving, he can't do all 3 jobs well. No way. He needs a COO at a minimum, I hope that's one of his first changes.

And I must say, what a legacy Bob is "leaving". He didn't need to do all he's done for sustainability - witness that no other guitar manufacturer has done anything anywhere near as much. And pretty much forced the industry to accept and buy striped ebony. He had his priorities in the right place.

[Earl]

While Andy is deserving, he can't do all 3 jobs well. No way. He needs a COO at a minimum, I hope that's one of his first changes.

That is an important point.  I'm an engineer and have run my own practice for 32 years.  It is pretty rare to have someone who is good at their technical field AND equally good at business management.  Usually one aspect or the other suffers.  Bob and Kurt had the division of labor down nicely, each playing to their strengths.  Andy will have to find that balance too.  Best of luck!

[Edward]

...It is pretty rare to have someone who is good at their technical field AND equally good at business management.  Usually one aspect or the other suffers.  Bob and Kurt had the division of labor down nicely, each playing to their strengths.  Andy will have to find that balance too.  Best of luck!

I was thinking exactly this when I first heard/read Andy's placement.  Clearly he was being groomed for the position in these last 10 or so years at the helm as head luthier.  But "business" is a whole 'nuther skill that I admire Bob and Kurt for: they knew the lane in which they excelled, and together they were greater than the sum of mere parts.  I hope Andy can clearly assess what he should and should not have his direct hands on.  Those who are genuinely wise seek others who have wisdom.

Edward