We’re looking forward to introducing you to Joseph “Chip” Tait. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Joseph “Chip” , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Most days begin with a brisk 2-mile walk around my Brooklyn, MD neighborhood. The walk helps me stay in shape, of course, but it also helps me gather my thoughts for the day ahead. I then head into the shop with a tumbler full of home-made cold-brew coffee. (Coffee is my friend!) I put on my apron, turn on some music and get to work!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Joseph “Chip” Tait, and I’m the luthier at Brooklyn Fretworks in south Baltimore, MD. Brooklyn Fretworks is a shop where we build, modify and repair guitars and other stringed instruments, like basses, mandolins, ukuleles, etc. We are a small, independent business catering to clients from the Mid-Atlantic region.
No two jobs are exactly alike, so we derive pleasure getting to know the player and helping them get the most out of their instrument. Helping musicians spread joy with their music is a calling I’m proud to have answered. Each job begins and ends with the musician!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I’ve had the privilege to study and work with fine craftspeople over the years. Two who really stand out are Nicholas Chandler, the renowned furniture designer/craftsman, and Barrett Culpepper, the Master Luthier at Southeast Guitar Repair in Georgia, where I studied guitar repair. These guys are not just masters of their craft, but generous teachers willing to invest their time in shepherding the next generation of craftspeople.
I take pride in teaching musicians how to care for their instruments, and sometimes, the intricacies of how their instruments are built. I thinks its a good thing when musicians can perform basic maintenance on their own instrument.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could tell the 20-year-old version of me anything, it would be to trust yourself, but don’t think you always need to go it alone. Begin developing positive relationships with good people early in life, and take time to maintain those relationships. Be a giver as well as a receiver. Surround yourself with good, positive people, and let the bad energy people go.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I’m an eternal optimist, who truly believes in the value of the human spirit. I think two people working together can produce more than three people going it alone. True leadership is derived from earning the trust and respect of your team, and keeping their needs above your personal ambition. Setting other folks on the path to success brings me great joy.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If immortality were real, what would you build?
Immortality is real! We live on in peoples thoughts and their stories, every time they share how we affected their journey. The instruments I build and care for should last forever if treated properly. I like to live every day as if I’m adding another sentence to my obituary!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brooklynfretworks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooklynfretworks/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552848803434
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/brooklyn-fretworks-no-title
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrooklynFretworks
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ke43UKWhDsRwXj2a6
Image Credits
Joseph Tait
