Building...

When it comes to one’s career, the desire to make a difference or create ripples as a mover and shaker is usually a driving force that comes naturally to an individual. Whether it is an invention, innovation, or transformation, it is by creating a connection with those around makes one stand out.

An inventor, musician, and entrepreneur, Gary Upton designed new ways of bringing his passion into becoming valuable resources that continue to touch people’s lives today.

Gary was born in Sutton-in-Ashfield, England. In his early teens, he moved to America with his mother and welcomed abundant opportunities in the country they called their new home. Gary grew up playing double bass and spent his early years working in a music shop because despite moving across the pond, music had stayed with him all this time.

He then pursued music at Western Connecticut State University. His love for playing double bass and working in a music shop led Gary to open his workshop in 1999 to refurbish and sell double bass, and into becoming a world-renowned brand, Upton Bass String Instrument Company.

Gary’s lifelong love of the instrument has paved the success of Upton Bass. It is the only manufacturer of double basses in the United States, which is beloved by Grammy award-winning musicians and symphonies across the country. With a past retail shop in Boston, from a workshop in historic Mystic, CT since 2004, and a new showroom that opened this year in New York City, Gary’s direction continues to thrive along with his strict adherence to quality standards while growing a list of elite clients.

As he is hands-on in his direction and management for Upton Bass, he focuses on productivity, workflow, and managing his team of artisans. Moreover, by continuously developing new ideas, products, he continues to bring his brand to the market with excellence. Finally, Gary’s goal of turning his passion into valuable resources has been realized.

Despite the success and recognition of Upton Bass, Gary always wanted to create a connection with people starting with his music. He is now using his company as an avenue to spark new ideas in bass design. He has partnered with colleges, universities, students, and educators to help them convey concepts or ideas based on hands-on experience.

Gary’s innovative approach in a bass design encompasses all aspects of critical thinking by changing how they think and see something from a new perspective. As such, he has given lectures on innovation and entrepreneurial vision at colleges, including the Rhode Island School of Design.

Moreover, Gary is currently working on a book about the intersection of innovation and business. It tells the story of one of his inventions, a double bass that can be disassembled to fit in a suitcase.

Investing also for the local community is a priority for Gary. He has been the luthier chair for the International Society of Bassists. He now serves as the current chairman of East Line Inland Wetlands, an agency that protects local resources from potentially hazardous development.

Gary Upton’s talent in envisioning a better world through innovation and entrepreneurship has created a valuable connection between involving the local community and utilizing the available resources. By designing his passions towards building meaningful contributions in his niche, he is touching people’s lives and moving the needle in the music industry..