Meet the Team
Benjamin Piela
General ManagerBen Piela graduated from Western Michigan University with his Bachelor's degree in Trumpet Performance and enjoys performing music with as many people as possible. Before his career at WMBO, Ben worked in Operations Management.
Ben's favorite part about working at WMBO is the ability to be around other musically-minded folks, as well as having the opportunity to provide 1:1 lessons, professional-level instruments, and the best customer service available.
Jacob DeWitt
Sales Associate & Saxophone InstructorJacob DeWitt is a graduate with a Bachelor’s from Wayne State University and Master's degree from Western Michigan University.
Specializing in jazz performance, Jacob primarily plays saxophone and doubles in flute and clarinet.
Outside of performing, Jacob enjoys writing, recording, and teaching all styles of music.
Aaron Schnicke
Sales Associate & Website ManagerAaron is a recent graduate of Kent City High School.
He is a talented multi-instrumentalist and has a deep passion for music.
He plays many instruments and was a Drum Major for 2 years at Kent City High School. He also engages in WGI with LSM WEST as a tuba player. His aspirations lead him further into the marching arts, as he aspires to march in DCI with the best of the best.
Jacob Hoskins
Brass Specialist & TechnicianA Houghton College graduate with a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Music Industry & Business Administration, Jacob is passionate in providing quality services and products that will further advance players and their musical creativity.
Under the guidance of Eric Satterlee at Meridian Winds for over 6 years, Jacob became well-versed in the field of music retail and repair. Additionally, Jacob is the owner and operator of his small business, Bájoc Music—which is tailored towards offering high brass players custom mouthpieces, components, and instrument enhancement products.
Jenni Pollmann
Head Woodwind TechnicianWith a Bachelor of Music Education from Calvin College and a Master’s in Education from Cornerstone College, Jenni has over a decade of experience as a band and music teacher. Her passion for woodwind repair began at the Yamaha Musical Products factory, where she had the privilege of learning from skilled QA technicians, production workers, and Pro Shop employees. Jenni further honed her skills by attending specialized training with renowned technician Cliff Ferrees and remain an active member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT).
Clint Mottler
Brass/Woodwind TechnicianClint is a proud veteran and a former member of the military band. Clint has been repairing brass and woodwind instruments for over 33 years and was trained in the military band repair program.
Clint's primary instrument is the French Horn and enjoys teaching privately in between repairs.
John Gates
Director of School ServicesWith 15 years of experience driving executive-level sales, business development, and strategic relationship management across the insurance sector, John Gates serves as the Director of School Services for WMBO.
A proud third-generation family member, John stepped into the family business following the passing of his uncle. In this role, he is responsible for supporting and expanding the organization's educational and institutional partnerships.
John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Davenport University. Outside of his career, he is deeply rooted in the West Michigan community, where he lives in Rockford and is the proud father of a 15-year-old son.
Joyce Antel
School Service RepresentativeJoyce received her Bachelor's in Music Education from WMU in 1988, and retired from Northview High School after directing bands for 33 years. She joined the WMBO team last summer and loves working with students, and has enjoyed providing school service for their families as well as band and orchestra directors.
She loves spending time with her husband, Tim, and five children who are the light of her life: Tim & his wife, Maggie, Shelby, Melody and Joey. When Joyce isn't at WMBI, her favorite activities include hiking, reading at the beach, catching sunsets and creating things with power tools.
Joey Crowley
Guest LuthierHaving recently finished her first professional violin build, Joey Crowley is an alumna of the Violin Making and Repair program at the famed Red Wing school in Minnesota. With a background in both classical saxophone and double bass, she is continuing her education this year as a multidisciplinary student of band instrument repair and lutherie. Joey is always happy to lend her skills here at WMBO when she is in town, and loves to take on high-level string instrument and bow repair work, though with limited availability.
In her free time, Joey enjoys reading science fiction novels, playing French Neoclassical or Irish Traditional music, and doing home improvement projects.
David Didaskalou
OwnerDavid has been in the music business since he was only 14 years old. He was trained by his older brother, Nick Didaskalou, and was mentored by Max Colley Jr., Jon Montgomery, and Roy Emerson.
His favorite thing about owning his own business is being able to spend time with his family, help those in need, and make customers happy.
Kristi Didaskalou
Billing & Accounts ManagerKristi has been with WMBO since the beginning and handles all aspect of customer service, including invoicing, phone calls, inventory, and office work.
Her favorite part about working at WMBO is being with family and meeting and serving new people. Kristi enjoys being able to help families by donating instruments and services.