In this episode, Nick and Brendan sit down with Jeff Cowling, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Yorkville Sound. The company manufactures PA speakers, Traynor guitar and bass amplifiers and is the contract speaker manufacturer for Canadian theatre icon, IMAX.
The company was originally founded in Toronto in 1963 in the back room of the first Long & McQuade store by Pete Traynor. Jeff attributes much of Yorkville Sound’s successes to their business philosophy of stable survival rather than market dominance. Focusing on steady, consistent growth and stable operations exposed them to less risk as they grew their company over the years.
Additionally, the company’s manufacturing operations are heavily vertically integrated. Having almost all aspects of manufacturing under one roof allows for improved quality control and the ability to pivot quickly to shifting needs. Their manufacturing of ventilator components during the pandemic is an excellent example of this.
While their manufacturing philosophy is not universal, there are lessons and insights that other manufacturers could use on their shop floors. Crank it to 11 and have a listen.