This quarter we’re shining a spotlight on a classic Mermet employee - Commercial Business Manager Rob Beals. You may know Rob as a friendly face at the Mermet office - either giving plant tours or just saying hello when you walk by. Well, let me introduce you to Rob, the lead guitarist. Rob Beals sat down and talked to us about his love for music and playing in his band, Right Side Up (named after a Dave Matthews Band lyric, of course). We asked Rob about how he got started playing, to which he said that he began learning as a college student at Clemson University. “Going tent camping was a huge part of my college experience, and I learned to play the acoustic guitar by the campfire.” Rob enjoyed playing the guitar for a number of years, but after graduating college he wouldn’t pick it up for 20 years. “Having a family with three young girls makes it hard to find time for other things,” Rob shared. As his children got older and more independent, Rob decided it was time to pick it up once again.

Purchasing an acoustic guitar as a full-grown adult was the first step in Rob’s journey to becoming a part of a band. He started practicing and soon after discovered his neighbor and friend was an avid drummer. They started playing together and as other friends and family members joined in, a full band was formed! An individual musician in the band had already booked gigs across town, and convinced venues to give the whole band a shot. After a few gigs, they found their groove and now play regularly in and around Spartanburg. Rob shared, “The best part about being in a band is everyone grooving together - people listening and having fun, it’s the best.” Rob revealed that he eventually invested in an electric guitar and the overall sound has been elevated to a whole new level. By listening to guitar solos and playing by ear, Rob has been able to do his part in making the sounds of the band all come together. Right Side Up can be found playing all types of genres and notable tunes that all people can sing and dance to from artists including Dave Matthews Band, Weezer and Fleetwood Mac.

When he’s not jamming out with Right Side Up, Rob is most likely playing his acoustic guitar around the campfire with his family. He and his family frequently take camping trips to experience some beautiful scenery and spend some quality time together. They enjoy taking trips to some of their favorite camping spots like Helen, Georgia and Davidson River, North Carolina. Outside of his family and band, Rob will be celebrating 10 years with Mermet in January. In his role, Rob co-manages several Mermet accounts and supports the sales team by providing reports and technical information. He also leads our incredible Customer Service team. Rob is truly dedicated to his job and to bettering those around him. Mermet is thankful for his hard work and dedication these past 10 years!

Right Side Up will be playing at RJ Rockers brewery in downtown Spartanburg December 23rd, be sure to catch them that Saturday night! To keep up with where the band will be next, go like the Right Side Up Facebook page found HERE.