Good afternoon, today I’m going to talk to you about our Fort Wayne community and one of the key benefactors that is having a lasting influence on our community: Sweetwater Sound.
Sweetwater Sound is more than a business in Fort Wayne, its presence and leadership have transformed our town and the way we see the musical arts. If you are a musician, Sweetwater needs no introduction. However, for people like me (I love music, but I can barely clap my hands), here is the low down.
Live music plays a vital role in shaping the cultural identity and vibrancy of Fort Wayne. As a city with a rich musical heritage, Fort Wayne regularly hosts concerts, festivals, and performances at venues such as The Clyde Theater, Embassy Theater, and local parks. These events draw both residents and visitors, creating opportunities for people to connect, celebrate, and experience diverse musical styles.
Moreover, live music encourages youth engagement, inspiring the next generation of artists and fans. It serves as a bridge between different cultures and backgrounds, making Fort Wayne a more inclusive and dynamic place to live. Ultimately, live music is an essential part of Fort Wayne’s social and economic fabric, contributing significantly to the city’s enduring appeal.
Sweetwater Sound, Indiana’s premier music retailer and community hub, has transformed Fort Wayne’s musical landscape. It stands as one of the largest and most respected music retailers in the United States.
What began as a modest recording studio in the late 1970s has transformed into a sprawling campus that serves musicians, audio professionals, and educators nationwide. Sweetwater’s influence extends far beyond selling instruments and audio gear; it has become a cornerstone of the Fort Wayne community, driving economic development and fostering a vibrant music culture.
Chuck Surack, a visionary leader in music and business, is the founder. His journey began in 1979 when he started Sweetwater as a mobile recording studio operating out of a Volkswagen bus. His passion for music and technology drove him to expand his business, focusing on customer service and innovation, which eventually transformed Sweetwater into a multimillion-dollar company.
Under Surack’s leadership, Sweetwater became renowned for its knowledgeable staff, personalized service, and robust online presence. He cultivated a company culture that emphasizes integrity, continuous learning, and employee well-being, resulting in Sweetwater being regularly recognized as one of the best places to work in Indiana. His hands-on approach and commitment to customer satisfaction set a new industry standard, influencing how musical equipment is sold nationwide.
Today, Sweetwater’s headquarters, on U.S. Highway 30 (a 7-mile, 14-minute. drive from the Convention Center) boasts a massive retail store, state-of-the-art recording studios, a performance theater, and an extensive warehouse. Employing thousands of people, Sweetwater has helped put Fort Wayne on the map for musicians and producers across the country.
Sweetwater is an institution in Fort Wayne and well worth a trip out to their campus, even if you do not play an instrument. The sheer size of the place, with the myriad of musical instruments and sound equipment, make it a very interesting place to wander through.
I will post more on live music, The Clyde Theater, The Clubroom, et.al., in future posts.
Sweetwater has posted a tour of the store and its various services on YouTube.
Have a great day and we look forward to seeing you in Fort Wayne next summer.
John Figueroa
IPMS/USA 2026 National Convention
Chairperson