“I said, ‘Give me a mop and some cleaning supplies.’ I scrubbed that bathroom and I made it spotless”: Guitar Center CEO Gabe Dalporto is on a mission to raise store standards – and says he’s not above scrubbing restrooms

Gabe Dalporto.

Guitar Center CEO Gabe Dalporto already faces the challenge of steering the guitar gear retailer through uncertain waters in the face of a digital market boom, but he’s also faced with the challenge of reshaping its entire image and restoring its former prestige.

In the past, Dalporto has spoken at length about his strategy to tackle the former, which involves catering to ‘the serious musician’ by overhauling Guitar Center’s inventory and creating an improved destination space that allows players to get hands-on with high-end electric guitar gear and beyond.