Meet Our Team

Mark Maxwell

You may have seen him on his social media series called "If You're In A Band…" — Mark Maxwell prides himself on helping musicians and aspiring musicians learn from his years of experiences (and mistakes!). If you haven't seen it, check out our Facebook page.

Born into the Maxwell family literally meant growing up in the music business in Louisville, KY and Southern Indiana! Music is Mark's lifelong passion — from playing in bands his entire life (most notably Spanky Lee and The Crashers), to serving as a regional leader in music advocacy, education, retail sales, audio/visual and lighting installations, and even international music-related mission work in the Caribbean. He has also served as a governor-appointed Indiana Arts Commissioner. He is a well-rounded conduit and resource within the music business!

Recently winning 3 of NAMM's major awards — Best Showroom Design, Innovation Award, and the prestigious 2024 NAMM Dealer of the Year Award — has been an exciting time for Mark and the business.

Whitney McNicol

A NAMM Board Member, a drummer in a band, an avid tennis player, and a financial professional, Whitney brings incredible and unique skills, personality, and leadership to Maxwell's House of Music! She is a proud graduate of the University of Louisville with a degree in Accounting, and has over 25 years of experience in Accounting & Financial Analysis.

Whitney's business acumen continues to lead Maxwell's to the top — in fact, Maxwell's House of Music is amongst the Top 100 Music Stores in the world!

Brooks Ritter

Brooks Ritter has been with the Maxwell's Music team since 2018. You can find him on the sales floor most days willing to share his vast knowledge of music with you. He is also our Online Sales Manager, adding our in-store inventory for customers to buy both near and far.

Brooks debuted his most recent album, Ghost Come To Life, on January 1st, 2021. A Louisville, Kentucky native, his music ranges from "soul to roots music, with a little indie-rock." His previous album, Stereo of Steel, follows the same pattern with 10 original songs. Earlier works include Gather Round and The Horse Fell Lame. Ritter has toured and played alongside Sara Watkins from Nickel Creek, Greg Laswell, Anderson East, Zella Day, Ben Sollee, and others.

Tonya Hennesy

Tonya is the Online Sales Guru at Maxwell's Music, whose understanding of all-things-technical for online sales is well beyond what most of us can even begin to comprehend. (Thanks for making us feel inferior, Tonya!) From being a roadie, to a band mom, to a band manager for her son's various bands, the local music scene has been a huge part of Tonya's life.

At Maxwell's, she is beloved for her calm demeanor, silly sense of humor, kind heart, and exceptional baking skills — she is part of the fabric that makes Maxwell's a Top 100 Music Store! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her grown kids, Sydney and Cooper, which ensures endless laughter!

Steve Robbins

Steve has been with Maxwell's for over 5 years as a Master Instrument Technician and Luthier. Prior to working in a music store setting, Steve's day job was as an Electrician in the medical industry — first as a Senior Technician repairing medical equipment, then as a House Technician for major hospital systems. His love of music and instruments kept him involved both as a musician and as a highly skilled Instrument Technician and Luthier.

With decades of guitar and instrument repair experience, Steve's skills are a vital asset to Maxwell's Music "Repair Land". As an added bonus, Steve is the store's very own in-house Santa Claus every Christmas season — be sure to bring the kiddos to see him at our next Christmas Open House!

Tim Denison

Regardless of what title you use for him — luthier, instrument tech, or guitar repairman — Tim's skills shine. Proof of that comes daily from highly satisfied Maxwell's Music customers, but also when Tim proudly replays a conversation with Paul Reed Smith, founder and owner of PRS Guitars. As Smith inspected a guitar built by Tim, he questioned him on everything from the Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard, to the neck build, to the hand-carved volute. Then came the big moment — the compliment from Paul Reed Smith himself: "Tim, you have done a great job on this guitar." That is something that will stick with you forever!

Nathan Brinager

The pitch black forest was offset by a sky filled with stars. From far away the sound of banjos and mandolins swirled through the night air. A sound pierced the trees — a cry of a baby. The mother coyote's eyes darted toward the sound. As she approached, the cries grew louder... more desperate. She came upon the clearing to find a small child wrapped only in a Gibson banjo t-shirt. She quickly scooped up the youngster and returned to her shelter. The love that grew between them was beyond measure. Stories of the mysterious "wolf-boy" spread at Yahtzee games and throughout bingo halls across all of Toler Creek.

At age 21, the now-grown child ventured too far past the safety of the nest as he discovered Hwy 23. He was mesmerized by the cars, sounds, and potential the long road held. As he scurried down that road, he began to feel more and more at home. He knew his roots instinctively, yet craved his lost future.

Adapting quickly to society, the boy — now named Nathan — embraced the modern world, but never lost the love of that magical sound that had soothed him. It is the spirit of bluegrass that runs strong in this one, and it's lovingly shared today at Maxwell's Music by him.

Randy Carmichael

Randy Carmichael, a Southern Indiana native and US Army Veteran who has traveled the country extensively over the past several years, is back home again! Randy is the Operations Manager at Maxwell's House of Music in addition to being a bass teacher and On-Stage Program coach. He's also a working musician (bass) — you can catch him playing gigs around town.

Randy's presence brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and ability to Maxwell's House of Music. He studied Music Performance/Education (trombone and bass guitar) at Indiana State University, and has extensive touring experience throughout the Midwest and Texas with several rock, country, and blues bands.

Call Randy about joining a band, regardless of your age or genre interests. He is always looking for unique ways to put groups together to make more music in our community!

Jack Hovland

The most recent addition to the Maxwell's House of Music family, Jack Hovland recently relocated to the area from San Diego, California. Jack's contagious positivity is noticed by all! His skills shine on the retail sales floor, where he does product demonstrations to show off Maxwell's huge inventory of retail items.

Jack is a guitarist who played in a hard rock band in California and is now playing in a local classic rock cover band. He is also an avid runner who trains all year long for marathons — even in his new home's colder climate! Boston, look out... Jack is on his way!

Come meet Jack!