Apr 1, 2007 12:00 PM, Compiled by Sarah Benzuly

Who: Rick McClendon, Tascam VP

Main Responsibilities: build strong relationships both inside and outside of the company while telling people why they should care about our products, marketing, strategy and goals.

Previous Lives:

• 2000-2003, Harman Music Group, director of sales

• 1986-2000, Roland, district sales manager

My favorite experience while working in pro audio was: watching as someone understands what great audio sounds like for the first time; and at the recent NAMM show, watching as our dealers, consumers and reps took in our new product, look and message.

The last great book I read was: Who Says Elephants Can't Dance by Louis Gerstner — a great story about business good and bad and how to make a difference; A Long Way from Home, [by] Tom Brokaw — a story about growing up in America's heartland and one of my favorite stories about overcoming the odds; anyone can be successful as long as you are persistent.

The one thing in my office most like my personality is: TREO phone, it's a great communication device. The value we bring is the ability to communicate ideas and challenge those around us.

Currently in my iPod: U2's Achtung Baby, Van Morrison's Organic and Al Green.

When I'm not in the office, you can find me… reading and listening, trying to figure out how to make Tascam better. The Japanese have a word, “kaizen,” which means continual, incremental improvement. Business is very competitive today, and if your business isn't getting better, then it's getting worse or standing still (which is the same), and for that there is simply no excuse.

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