#176 - Check It and Wreck It - Creating a Solution To Traveling With a Guitar

Have you ever traveled by plane from one gig to the next, only to arrive and find that the integrity of your guitar has been compromised… or worse, has been destroyed, only to find out that the airline you just flew on won't be taking responsibility for any damages. Ciari Guitars has created a solution. Creating what has been called "The Most Convenient Guitar in the World" by Forbes Magazine, they have delivered a professional, high-end instrument that folds down, fits into a backpack, and slides under your seat on a plane. Not only that, but it comes out looking great, and most importantly, sounding amazing! Jonathan Spangler is the CEO and Founder of Ciari Guitars.  Jonathan is a business and legal executive (patent attorney) turned entrepreneur.  To his leadership role, he brings the business acumen and experience from multiple successful start-ups over a 20+ year career in the medical industry based on market-making innovation, as well as a lifetime passion for music and guitars. Mr. Spangler earned his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University and his Juris Doctorate (with IP emphasis) from the University of Dayton. Select Accomplishments  Ciari Guitars was selected as "Coolest New Product" by USA Today at The NAMM Show 2019 and covered by CNN, Guitar World, and other media outlets.  Ciari Guitars received coveted Editor's Pick from Guitar Player Magazine (Nov 2019) as "the first travel guitar for professional use." Ciari Guitars featured by Forbes (Aug 2019) as "The Most Convenient Guitar In the World."  Former Chief IP Counsel at NuVasive, Inc., a "game-changing" spine surgery company from start-up (~30 employees & $2.1MM revenue in 2001) to a world leader in minimally invasive spine surgery (~2,000+ employees & $811MM revenue in 2015). Extensive business development experience, including M&A deals exceeding $1B and significant IP licensing (in-licensing and out-licensing). The Business Side of Music ™ © 2021 Lotta Dogs Productions LLC Showrunner and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella Producer and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas Recorded inside an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what's left of Music Row in Nashville TN (except during the Covid 19 pandemic, then it's pretty much been accomplished VIA Zoom or over the phone, with the exception for those fearless enough to come to Bob Bender's dining room… and there have been a few that have survived). Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY Production Sound Design: Keith Stark Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy.  Website: If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to: [email protected] If you're interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we'll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at [email protected]