Businessman. He was a pioneer and giant in the global musical instrument industry. Born in Germany in 1930, young Jacob emigrated with his parents to America aboard the RMS Aquitania in 1939. In 1959 he started The Westheimer Sales Co. in Chicago selling bongo drums from Mexico. By 1960 he was importing electric guitars from the Japanese company Teisco, naming his line Teisco Del Rey in 1965. By the next year his Kingston brand of imports began dominating sales. After years of success distributing guitars and basses from Japan and Taiwan to retailers including Sears, Roebuck and Co., in 1973 he partnered with the Park family factory in South Korea, evolving as Cort Musical Instruments. Westheimer Sales became a world leader in international musical manufacturing and distribution, including name brands like Mighty Mite, Harmony Guitars, Cortez, Groove Tools, Stella, Emperor band instruments, and BSX Percussion. After passing in 2012, his daughter Laura Gabel maintains his legacy as CEO of Westheimer Corporation today.
Businessman. He was a pioneer and giant in the global musical instrument industry. Born in Germany in 1930, young Jacob emigrated with his parents to America aboard the RMS Aquitania in 1939. In 1959 he started The Westheimer Sales Co. in Chicago selling bongo drums from Mexico. By 1960 he was importing electric guitars from the Japanese company Teisco, naming his line Teisco Del Rey in 1965. By the next year his Kingston brand of imports began dominating sales. After years of success distributing guitars and basses from Japan and Taiwan to retailers including Sears, Roebuck and Co., in 1973 he partnered with the Park family factory in South Korea, evolving as Cort Musical Instruments. Westheimer Sales became a world leader in international musical manufacturing and distribution, including name brands like Mighty Mite, Harmony Guitars, Cortez, Groove Tools, Stella, Emperor band instruments, and BSX Percussion. After passing in 2012, his daughter Laura Gabel maintains his legacy as CEO of Westheimer Corporation today.
Bio by: Michael Harrington
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