October 27, 2025 I Appointments
Kepma Guitars Expands National Sales Team
Kepma Guitars has expanded its U.S. sales team with to add seven industry veterans across key territories. The new territory sales representatives will report to Marty Kloska, national sales manager.
“Bringing this team on board marks an exciting new chapter for Kepma USA,” said Tony Moscal, president of Kepma USA. “Each of these individuals brings a wealth of experience, strong dealer relationships, and a passion for music. Together, they will expand our reach across key regions and ensure our dealers and players receive the highest level of support as Kepma continues to grow in the U.S. market.”
Heath Bathgate will handle sales in Michigan and Ohio. With more than 35 years of experience in guitar sales, Bathgate combines a career spanning leadership roles at Guitar Center with positions at Fender and Gibson. Now representing Kepma Guitars, he leverages his deep industry expertise and passion for music to support dealers and guide players toward instruments that inspire creativity.
Rick van Heel will focus on Colorado, Nevada and Utah. Van Heel brings more than three decades of music industry expertise to his role as territory sales representative, having grown up in the business from the ground floor. Beginning at age 14 as a janitor in his local music store, he progressed through every operational role before ultimately acquiring ownership of the business, where his leadership earned Gibson Dealer of the Year honors in 2003. He later co-developed guitarsale.com, which became the world’s largest Gibson Custom Shop dealer before its acquisition by Guitar Center.
Matt Frampton will handle the south New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia territory. With more than 30 years of experience across independent dealers, national chains and global manufacturers, Frampton is known for his expertise in sales, operations and event coordination.
Trish Moss will focus on Tennessee, Indiana and Kentucky. With a career that began at Gibson Guitars in 1982, where she rose from marketing secretary to district sales manager for Upstate New York and New Jersey, Moss has built more than four decades of experience across some of the industry’s most iconic brands. Her background includes leadership roles with Akai Musical Instrument Corporation as national sales manager, Fender Musical Instruments as district sales manager for the Northeast, and multiple business development and key accounts positions with Gibson, where she partnered with top retailers including Sam Ash, American Musical Supply, and Retail Solutions.
Sound Strategy Marketing, founded by industry veteran Zack Salpeter, will handle north New Jersey, the New York metro area and New York state. With more than 20 years of experience, including his most recent role as director of North American sales, Salpeter launched the company to modernize the traditional rep model through agility, transparency, and results-driven solutions. Specializing in MI, pro audio, DJ, and CE, Sound Strategy Marketing partners with manufacturers to expand market presence, strengthen dealer relationships, and deliver long-term growth through a hybrid sales and marketing approach.
Doug Schoenbeck will focus on sales in Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Schoenbeck brings more than 30 years of professional guitar experience to his role, combining technical expertise with a passion for music. He spent 14 years as a guitar tech at Sam Ash, contributed to R&D and tech support with pickup maker APC, and has taught guitar for 15 years.
Phil Salazar will handle all sales in Texas. Salazar draws on more than 20 years at Sam Ash Music, where he led as guitar department manager and later as sales manager. Recognized for his leadership, product knowledge, and passion for customer service, Salazar has built lasting relationships with musicians and retailers alike.
