Chip Averwater (legal name Robert Francis Averwater Jr.) is an American businessman, author, international speaker, investor, and philanthropist. He is best known for his executive leadership in the musical instrument industry and his published works on business management and leadership philosophy.
Business & Executive Leadership
- Amro Music Stores
Averwater spent nearly four decades with Amro Music Stores in Memphis, Tennessee, including 14 years as President. Amro Music is one of the largest musical instrument retailers in the United States, providing instrument sales and rentals across six southern states. Recognized consistently as the “Best Music Store in Memphis” and one of the region’s “Best Places to Work,” Averwater led a major strategic restructuring that yielded a ten-fold increase in sales. Founded by his grandfather in 1921, Amro continues into its fourth generation of family leadership, with his son C.J. serving as President and nephew Nick as Vice President. - NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants)
Averwater served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of NAMM, serving as Chairman of the Board from 2007 to 2009. NAMM represents more than 9,000 member companies across 122 countries and hosts the annual NAMM Show—the ninth-largest trade show in the United States by attendance. He played a pivotal role in guiding NAMM’s global expansion and international outreach, including early industry initiatives in China. Oral history interviews featuring his tenure are archived at NAMM.org. - Advisory & Board Roles
He served on the Board of Directors for Schmitt Music in Minneapolis and has served as a strategic advisor to numerous mid-market business executives and private enterprises.
Authored Works & Publications
- Retail Truths: The Unconventional Wisdom of Retailing (2012)
A practical guide offering over 400 street-smart lessons on hiring, pricing, negotiation, employee incentives, competition, and daily retail operations drawn from nearly 40 years of hands-on management experience. - Great Managers Are Always Nice (2018)
A management book advocating that respect, kindness, and constructive communication deliver superior operational results compared to hard-driving approaches, showing how managers can handle conflict, performance issues, and terminations while maintaining dignity and respect. - Journeys and Reflections
An avid international traveler who has visited over 100 countries, Averwater documents his global travel experiences, cultural reflections, and personal essays on his blog, Journeys and Reflections. - Trade & Retailing Journalism
Averwater has authored numerous articles for national retail and music industry trade magazines. In American Business Magazine, he argued how independent local retailers can effectively outperform national competitors through agile decision-making, specialized product knowledge, personal customer relationships, and flexible service. - Local History Preservation (Lakeland Lake History)
Dedicated to preserving local history in West Tennessee, Averwater compiled archives, photographs, and historical accounts detailing the creation of Garner Lake, the 1960s–70s Lakeland Amusement Park, and the subsequent incorporation of Lakeland, TN. He created and maintains lakelandlake.com, housing historical maps, photographs, and archival records.
Speaking & Keynotes
Averwater is a featured international keynote speaker specializing in retail strategy, management, and leadership. He has delivered presentations to executive audiences worldwide, including in the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Australia, and China.
Philanthropy & Community
- Play It Again Memphis
Founding member and long-time President of Play It Again Memphis, a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting, refurbishing, and distributing musical instruments to underprivileged students to support music education access. - Phi Beta Mu Recognition
In 2016, international bandmasters fraternity Phi Beta Mu honored Averwater as its Outstanding Contributor to Bands in recognition of his significant contributions to music education and band program advocacy.
Education
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville | B.A. in German and Chemistry (1968–1972)
- University of Munich, Germany | European Studies (1971–1972)
- University of Phoenix | Master of Business Administration (MBA) (1995–1997)
Personal Interests
- Global Travel: Passionate about international exploration and photography, having traveled across more than 100 countries.
- Music: Recreational musician playing guitar, bass, and piano.
- Active Lifestyle: Enthusiastic pickleball player and supporter of local community recreation.
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