David Mathis

Background

About David Mathis

I’m passionate about helping players find guitars that feel like an extension of themselves. As owner of Gallagher Guitar Co, we blend historic craftsmanship with modern design to build custom boutique guitars that become a lifelong partner in music. Since acquiring Gallagher in 2019, I’ve led its revival, expanded custom offerings, and preserved its legacy of sound. Let’s connect if you’re a musician, collector, or simply appreciate fine guitars As a business owner, my background in clinical psychology has certainly helped in leading the company—particularly in understanding people and building relationships, which I truly enjoy. Yet running a business, as it often does, also served as its own kind of Rorschach test, revealing new areas for personal and professional growth. Managing employees— from selecting the right team members to aligning everyone around shared goals—requires a distinct skill set that I’ve worked to develop over time. One of the best strategic moves was bringing on an “Implementer” whose years of experience in the guitar industry have helped us make significant strides in production and efficiency. Drawing inspiration from The Toyota Way, we’ve applied lean principles to our workshop, creating systems that support quality and continuous improvement. While there’s always more work ahead, Gallagher Guitar Co. is on track for its most successful year yet—driven by a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and honoring the brand’s storied legacy.