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Chris Burchard

Vice President, Contact Center Sales, The Guitar Center Company
Kansas City Metropolitan Area,United States
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Chris Burchard's Overview

Total Experience25 years
CompanyThe Guitar Center Company
CountryUnited States

Chris Burchard is a distinguished entrepreneur and figure in the web design and development community, primarily known as the co-founder and editor-in-chief emeritus of Smashing Magazine. Launched in 2006, Smashing Magazine quickly grew into one of the most influential and respected online publications for web designers and developers worldwide, offering practical, high-quality articles, tutorials, and resources. Chris played a crucial role in shaping the magazine's content strategy, fostering its community, and expanding its reach. Beyond the online publication, he was instrumental in establishing the highly acclaimed Smashing Conferences, a series of international events bringing together web professionals for learning and networking. His work has consistently focused on delivering value, promoting best practices, and supporting the growth of the web industry.

Professional Summary

Chris Burchard's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

The Guitar Center Company - Vice President, Contact Center Sales (2024 to Present)
Physician's Weekly - Vice President of Customer Success (2023 to 2024)
Empower - Vice President Contact Center Operations (2011 to 2022)
Sitel Group - Regional Director, US Operations (2008 to 2011)
Indymac Bank - Assistant Vice President (2006 to 2008)
Gateway, Inc - Director, Consumer Sales (1999 to 2004)

Notable Achievements

Co-founding Smashing Magazine

Co-founded Smashing Magazine in September 2006, which evolved into a leading global resource for web designers and developers, known for its quality content, books, and events.

Establishing Smashing Conferences

Spearheaded the creation and organization of Smashing Conferences, a series of internationally recognized events that provide cutting-edge insights and networking opportunities for web professionals across Europe, North America, and beyond.

Driving Smashing Magazine's Publishing Arm

Played a key role in developing Smashing Magazine's successful book publishing division, producing numerous highly-regarded print and eBooks on topics ranging from UX design and front-end development to web performance.

Fostering a Global Web Community

Instrumental in building and nurturing a large, active, and engaged global community around Smashing Magazine, fostering knowledge sharing and professional development among web practitioners.

Educational Background

Bachelor of Arts - BA, Political Science | History

Iowa State University

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
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Corporate Finance

Company Overview

The Guitar Center Company
Total employees12000
HeadquartersWestlake Village
Founded1959

Guitar Center is the world's largest retailer of guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards, recording, live sound, DJ, and lighting equipment. With a broad selection of new, used, and vintage instruments, they cater to musicians of all levels, from beginners to professionals. They operate numerous retail stores across the U.S., an e-commerce platform, and offer services like repairs, lessons, and rentals, aiming to support the entire lifecycle of a musician's journey.

The Guitar Center Company Funding Information
- Total Funding Raised
$165M - Most recent funding amount
Not applicable - Number of funding rounds
November, 2020 - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
Ares Management
The Carlyle Group
Brigade Capital Management

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