RCP Drum Company was started in 2018, by the father-son duo Brian and Robert Pettry. The idea originated when Brian and his wife ordered a drum pad for their son Robert from a different company, and were unsatisfied by the pad, the shipping time, and the customer service the company provided.
By using Brian’s business knowledge that he acquired from running another family business, and Robert’s skills as a drummer, the father-son team created what they believe is the best practice pad on the market. Many practice pads that are currently available do not provide a similar feel to a real drum, nor do they always have a rim or sound anything like a real drum. Using Robert’s knowledge as a drummer, as well as feedback from others, they designed the pads to be flexible enough to meet many different types of drummers’ needs. By placing different types of rubber under the head, each pad can have a different feel. Their mindset was not to make the most profit, but to create the best practice pad they could. Brian and Robert also made the pads so that if a part breaks or wears out, or the drummer just wants to change up the look, each piece is easily replaceable and interchangeable. The head of the pad is made out of an epoxy coated anodized aluminum fabric, which can only be sourced from two companies in the U.S., but it sounds the best. Every pad is custom built for each order and is guaranteed to be shipped within two business days of placing an order.
Brian and Robert wanted all of the parts to be sourced locally so that they could have personal relationships with the manufacturers, while also allowing them to have easier access for faster shipping times. All the parts for the pads are made in the USA, many of which are made in Illinois and Wisconsin. The pads are then assembled by Robert and his dad. They also realize the opportunity they have been given to start this company and try to give credit to God as often as they can. While setting oneself apart as a Christian company can have a negative impact, Robert and his dad have said that more often than not, they have received wonderful support and have had some great groups purchase from them because of it.
RCP Drum Company really strives to create a local and personal connection both with their customers and their manufacturers. They believe that a personalized connection is important for a company, and something that is not often found today. Sometimes this means answering phone calls late at night, replying to countless emails, answering questions on social media, helping someone with a broken product or who isn’t satisfied with the product, and numerous other ways of making the customer feel like they aren’t just another dollar. Robert and Brian also use a local college student to film their product videos and a local high school student who takes a lot of the stock photos and designed their logo. This gives a young person in the community the opportunity to be a part of something bigger.
Looking for a custom practice pad, made in the USA, from a company that gives wonderful customer service? You will find all of that at RCP Drum Company.
Hello Olivia!
I love this story. I really enjoy the business model that this father son duo created together. They seem very dedicated to good business practices, and want to reflect that to all their customers. It stood out to me when you reported that they would walk through the process of helping with a broken product and answering the calls late at night. It shows that they are making personal sacrifices for their customers, and that they value them as individuals. I love that.
This is a really great story and it seems like a pretty awesome product to me. The customer service in the business is excellent, and it great to see that Brian and Robert are having so much success. Excellent article.
-Asher
I really like your comment about them not treating a customer like another dollar. I feel like many companies slip into that thinking. I love everything else about this: made in the USA, family business, Christian business, and a new idea. And what else is interesting is their motivation behind starting the business. They weren’t trying looking and trying to capitalize on something (not that it’s bad, in fact, I wish to do that) but they genuinely cared about trying to solve this problem for themselves.
I love how the father and sun duo found a problem with a drum pad they ordered and started a business from it. They capitalize on being different from others, wanting their product to sound and feel like a real drum. I think this is an excellent product idea for musicians. It is so great to hear how they strive to create local and personal connections as customer service is key in any business. It is very important to be available to help for any issues and questions like Robert and Brian are.