GF Issue 54

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A... BRAND PRESIDENT INTERVI EW BY CHARLOTTE SMITH WORK FOCUS Rob joined School of Rock as CEO in 2017. He recently led a highly competitive sales process leading to its current ownership by YEB, a Roark Capital-backed platform What was your first ever job? I began my career at 14 as an office boy at Kind Pools in Poughkeepsie, NY. The owner was indeed “kind” enough to hire me despite being way below working age. What were your career highlights before SoR? I was blessed to work for some of the world’s greatest retailers, including CVS Pharmacy, H-E-B Grocery, and Wawa. It is a source of amazing pride to see some of the initiatives I led or participated in still in place at these amazing institutions. … and the lowpoints? Stretches where I was not at my best, or I had to navigate working in a toxic environment. Even in these circumstances I learned a ton about how to build a stronger culture and be a better colleague. What doyou love about your role? The knowledge that many thousands of young people are experiencing the same creative and transformational experience that I enjoyed. Music changed my life and I know our community is creating the same magic. Howdid the 10-year-old you imagine your career panning out? 10-year-old Rob had the illusion that he would have the talent and discipline to be a rock star. He wouldn’t be disappointed that the plan didn’t work out, since my life is filled with music and fun. What excitesyouabout the future? Having recently sold our company to Roark Capital-backed Youth Enrichment Brands, I feel a profound sense of renewal. Contributing to the dramatic growth of School of Rock has been a source of enormous satisfaction. Knowing that I can participate on a broader team that can do this at even greater scale is exhilarating. Rob Price is Brand President of School of Rock, transforming lives through performance-based musical education INTERVI EW 78 GLOBAL FRANCHISE | ISSUE 8.2