Vince Martin | Partner
Vince was born in NYC and has spent most of his years in the New York metro area. He started his career, 10 years working for a manufacturer, initially as a District Manager, which led to 4 years as Vice President of Sales. During that time, he was transferred to Chicago and spent 6 years enjoying the windy city. In 1986, Vince opened a Manufacturer’s Representative Organization and moved back to the New York. The Martin Group was involved in the Consumer Electronics industry, but in 1989 was hired by Pioneer Electronics, which brought the organization into the Pro Audio industry.
The Horizon Group was formed in 1993, when Vince and Paul Jappe became partners. In 1994, Pioneer Electronics entered the DJ category and Pioneer DJ was born! Over the years, The Horizon Group has worked closely with Pioneer DJ to build the dealer base. Today, the Horizon Group, with Vince as Principal, represents major Pro Audio Lines for the Northeast.
Vince brings years of experience in working with dealers and distributor partners. . His years of building close relationships with these accounts result in success for all parties.
André Rodriguez | Partner
André Rodriguez is a New Jersey native with 30+ years of experience in the MI Industry including work in retail and in the last 10+ years as a manufacturer’s sales representative in the New York Metro area representing brands such as Electro-Voice, Beats By Dr. Dre, Denon DJ, Denon Professional, Marantz Professional, Chauvet, MXL, Mogami, Koenig and Meyer, Subpac and now Pioneer DJ, Pioneer Professional Audio, Odyssey, Vocopro and Antari.
At 14 years old, André began playing guitar and started taking lessons at the local music store which led to his first job in music retail. Through High School and College he continued his work at the music store and after graduating Rutgers University with a degree in Communications, he began a career in the music record industry with Universal Records and then H.O.L.A. Recordings working alongside many influential industry executives and artists.
He proudly worked his way from the mailroom to marketing manager in short time but after a change of heart, a decision to pursue an acting career led to an incredible 10 year experience which included various national commercials, independent films and theatrical appearances. During these years he came back to music retail, and began DJ’ing to support this love of acting.
Now married for 15+ years with two beautiful daughters André comes full circle enjoying a life as a sales representative in the industry that gave him his start.
Andrew DeLessio | Sales Manager
A few years later, Andrew began his career in retail, as Department Manager of the DJ and Lighting Department at Sam Ash Music in Brooklyn, NY while simultaneously building his career as a club and private event DJ. After some time at Sam Ash, he transitioned to an independent sound and lighting rental and supply house, managing their rental, retail and mail-order operations in New Jersey. After several years in retail, he stepped into to a Sales Manager position, for a manufacturer’s rep firm, representing several prominent professional and commercial audio brands. Moving on from his role as a manufacturer’s rep, he was hired at Numark (currently known as inMusic) as the Regional Sales Manager for the NY/NJ Metro area, ultimately securing the position of National Sales Manger for all DJ, pro audio, lighting and consumer electronics brands.
Michael Melendez | Sales Representative
Filled with a tenacious determination to succeed and an unwavering passion for people Michael Melendez actively works to cultivate great relationships representing businesses in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Creativity is the bedrock of Michael’s business model; implementing tactics, enacting solutions, and drawing knowledge from over 10 years experience in the sales and music industry.
From a young age he has always been very goal oriented; creating objectives and setting expectations for himself he began working at the age of 14. Granting him the freedom to supply himself with tools to help him become a better musician, businessman, and entrepreneur. Eventually a ferocious work ethic and a desire to be challenged led to several management positions at large retail stores where his interpersonal communication skills flourished before even leaving high school.
Michael’s ambition then lead him to focus his skills and passions into one with a sales position at Guitar Center for nearly 5 years where he diversified his customer base and made connections and even friendships that stay with him today. Honing the skill set he used everyday as an opportunity to meet new people and learn what different ideas the world has to offer by intentionally going out of his comfort zone.
This yearning for challenge carried over into Michael’s music career, during his days working sales he continued to perform, write, and collaborate on music culminating in steady bookings at several concert halls and night clubs around the New York Metro area like Webster Hall, Space Ibiza, and The Wescott Theater to name few. Continuing in that same path and pulling from his past life experience he currently is building a life where he breathes life into his passions and feels fulfilled helping people the way he best can; by making music, being an honest salesman and helping to grow an industry he truly believes in.