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| About Us |
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Beginnings
In 1991, I started the company as a one-person band instrument repair shop. Our first location didn’t even have a rest room. It was “Quaint” as they say. Soon after I hired my first employee she asked; who the “& Co.” was. “Well, that would be you” she was told.
At that point, I had had plenty of experience in the business of repair, so I wanted to leverage what I knew. So, I started selling a modest selection of supplies to the repair trade (originally under the Performance Music Products banner).
Over the years, the business has grown into a major supplier to the trade, serving technicians and instrument makers around the globe. The “& Co.” today is 18 great people who work hard to serve our customers.
Enter Flutes
In 1995 we began to offer high quality flutes as to our customers in the underserved Southeast. This was a natural business extension, building on our reputation for excellent flute repair work. The flute business grew to become a major national flute specialty house, a position we continue to occupy. This is our only retail endeavor. The air is thin up here so don’t get any ideas.
Then Came Valentino
In 2004, we bought Valentino. I had been a fan of Pete Valentino’s product for quite a long time. I had used Greenback pads with great success in my own repair work, and my company had been a key Valentino distributor.
There are several areas of focus in the Valentino synthetic line: items for quick and easy repair by band directors, musicians “fix kits”, professional technician’s pads and supplies, and instrument manufacturer’s pads, components, and supplies.
While the Valentino brand is synonymous with synthetic pads, cork products, and repair kits, we have expanded the brand range to include most all of the supply items that we build in house. So today you will see felt pads, springs, lubricants and such under the Valentino name. Tools that we make are branded with the J.L. Smith name (or J.L.S.).
Ed Myers
In 2006, we bought most of the assets of the Ed Myers Company. Among other things, this brought us many new tools, parts and supplies for brass instrument repair. In the mix were many clever Rex Bullock designed tools, which we continue to build and improve on. The popular Hollywood resonators were part of the deal also.
Some Key People in my organization
Myself-Jeff Smith President
I have been repairing instruments professionally since 1977. In that time I have worked in all manner of situations. I’ve had workshops ranging from one person (me), to managing a 20-person service department.
I have trained and supervised many technicians over the years, and take a keen interest in bringing along new talent (fresh meat).
I believe very strongly in the value of this craft and I feel an obligation to pass on what I know. I am a frequent teacher for NAPBIRT, and often teach at regional and national events, as well as at the Technical Training Center in Normal, IL.
I’ve recently made some of my knowledge available in print with: “Servicing The Flute” and “Servicing The Clarinet”.
When I’m not making the world a safer place for wind instruments, I mess with guitars and sailboats, and play with my dog Mud.
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Harold Phillips - Service Department Supervisor
Harold wears a couple hats around here.
First, he directs the repair shop. The shop is essential to servicing the flutes we sell, and keeping local musicians up and running. The shop is also a great proving ground for testing tools and supplies.
Secondly, Harold is in charge with quality control and serves as the final tester before products are offered to technicians.
Catch Harold’s clinics on woodwind repair when you can. He has great chops on clarinet, saxophone, and flute repair. He is one of the top flute techs in the country. His piccolo work is remarkable. He is happy to tell you what he knows. Pay attention.
Harold has a music ed. degree from West Virginia University and is a 1980 graduate of the Eastern School of Instrument Repair.
In the four hours a week that he is not working, Harold follows NASCAR, and builds model cars.
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Cathy Phillips - Director of Operations
An accountant by training, Cathy keeps all of our internal systems running smoothly. From human resources to balance sheets, Cathy handles all of the details of administration, even keeping the repair appointment schedule.
Thought mired in the details of the business, she maintains a great “big picture” sense of it all, and understands how the little things add up. She also keenly understands how great customer service is the only great way to build a profitable company.
You may hear Cathy’s voice on the phone occasionally, as she’ll pick up the phone to take an order when all lines are busy. You may also hear her voice on the phone if your bill is past due. So pay up!
Cathy was a clarinetist through College at West Virginia University where she graduated with a music ed. degree.
All three of the Cathy’s industrious children have worked for the company. Melanie current helps in packaging.
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Mark Farley - Valentino fabrication leader
My longest serving colleague, Mark has seen all sorts of development in our company. Many of you knew him as “the voice” of J.L. Smith. For years he was the repair supply department. He took all of your orders on the phone and completely processed them.
Now Mark orchestrates the Valentino pad production team as well as running all the stamped and punched products. He has a keen eye for quality and we take full advantage of this.
When Mark is not busy keeping up with his overachieving children, he studies violin, vibraphone, and a little keyboard. Mark occasionally gigs on drums, his main axe. He never sleeps.
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