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Music Matters NAMM marks 125 years and looks ahead to the next generation of music makers the number gets higher, we start reflecting," says Mlynczak. "And when you think about why NAMM has been the longest national trade association, you think about music just being something that is ubiquitous and always around society." e Carlsbad resident says it was a very conscious decision to live close to the NAMM HQ because he enjoys being there. "Every day, I wake up just absolutely in love with what I do. I can't wait to get into the office. It's one of those jobs that when I'm done [with a holiday break], I can't wait. I've never had a case of the Mondays since I've been here, ever," he says. e upcoming NAMM Show, taking place January 20 to 24 at the Anaheim Convention Center, is the world's largest music products trade show, featuring five days of education, live concerts, and special events, alongside three days of exhibits and brand activations from I t's likely that many are familiar with the Museum of Making Music, which offers exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs that celebrate the impact of the music products industry. But what might not be as widely known is the fact that the museum is located within and is a program of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the largest global nonprofit music trade organization — headquartered in Carlsbad — which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. I connected with John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO (and fellow music major), for his perspective on the importance of marking the milestone and carrying on the company's legacy. "Knowing it's the 125th anniversary of NAMM, that's a year you celebrate a lot. I think as we all do on big birthdays, especially as BY MIA PARK | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NAMM Focus business ranchandcoast.com 38 JANUARY 2026 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE This year's NAMM Show takes place January 20 to 24