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In 1935, Otto Lagervall, an inventor, entrepreneur, and musician, created a folding music stand that was unlike anything else on the market at the time. This breakthrough was key to the founding of the Manhasset Specialty Company in Lagervall's hometown of Manhasset, New York. Today, the company is headquartered in Yakima, Washington and, some 81 years later, a refined version of this same music stand remains its flagship product.
As the Manhasset Specialty Company has grown over the years, significant changes include the introduction of new products and accessories, upgrades in materials and manufacturing processes, and a major transition to becoming a fully employee-owned entity.
Dan Roberts, president and general manager, proudly trumpets Manhasset's unwavering commitment to quality, noting that all products and materials are sourced and assembled in the USA, using a process that is both efficient and environmentally friendly. "No waste is generated in the production process" he says.
MMR recently caught up with Roberts for a deeper look into the past, present, and future of the Manhasset Specialty Company.
Musical Merchandise Review: What are some of the more significant milestones in the company's history?
Dan Roberts: In the 1940s, Otto Lagervall made the decision to move his company to Yakima, Washington from Manhasset, New York for a variety of reasons. That move ensured that the company would have plenty of room for expansion as it grew.
In the 1990s, Manhasset became fully employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This transition truly created a spirit of ownership among all of the company's employees, which has led to a universal drive to achieve excellence in our product quality and performance, as well as creating a commitment on the part of all employees to offer the best possible customer service to the company's customers and consumers.
How do you explain the longevity of the success that the Manhasset music stand has had over the years?
The Manhasset Symphony Music Stand is recognized worldwide for its quality, durability, and dependability. The same objectives that Otto Lagervall aspired to achieve are still the goals for Manhasset stands today. The company has worked hard over its 81 years to continuously improve the performance of Manhasset music stands by finding new, more durable materials and to...