Hoshino

And Hoshino knows sound.  As the American operation of Japanese company, Hoshino Gakki, Hoshino markets and distributes Ibanez guitars and Tama drums to music stores servicing musicians and rock bands all over the country.  President Bill Reim has been with the company since 1981—and the company has been with MEA since 1983.

Last year, when Hoshino faced unionization challenges in its Pennsylvania warehouses, they turned to MEA.  Says Bill, “In that kind of situation, you have to understand what is required by law before you act.  MEA was our first port of call in finding out what had to be done.”

Reim says MEA was not only able to offer advice, they also introduced him to other MEA members who had faced similar challenges.  “There’s no insight like what you get from those who’ve lived through a similar situation,” he says. And MEA provided that networking opportunity.

“MEA is always the first place we go as a sounding board.”

Bill Reim
President, US Operations, Hoshino

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When Hoshino first started with MEA almost 30 years ago, MEA functioned as the company’s outsourced HR department.  Since then the company has grown to over 100 employees in the United States, and Hoshino now has its own HR manager—but they still rely on MEA.  “We really value knowing we have access to legal information right away.  That’s really important to us.”

Retaining membership in MEA is a “no-brainer,” says Reim.

“It’s an affordable option that provides a lot of great services.”