Transform Your Family Business
What does it take to have a family business survive 180 years and six generations? Get an inside look at Martin Guitar, and hear from the sixth generation family CEO, Chris Martin on the history, changes and difficult decisions that lead to one of the oldest family-owned companies in the United States and one of the most popular guitar manufacturers in the world. Tour the factory and museum with Chris and learn more about a company that has operated continuously under family management since 1833.
Chris Martin
Current Chairman and CEO Christian (“Chris”) Frederick Martin IV took the helm of the company in 1986. Under his leadership, the company has experienced unprecedented sales and production growth, maintained an extraordinary level of quality, introduced many new technologies, expanded the factory to nearly three times its prior size, integrated the model lineup with the introduction of many affordable guitars and has fortified the higher end with artist signature editions and vintage inspired recreations of historical Martin guitars. Chris recently made a bold investment in the company’s future with the construction of the new Martin Museum and Visitors Center, which has proved to be a significant draw for tourists and guitar aficionados alike. Through his vision, the company has shown a great commitment to the development of alternative materials and sustainable woods to ensure the future of Martin Guitar for generations to come.