Mike Ciprari is a relentless DIY hustler with a heart for music and a gift for connecting with the next generation. He didn’t climb a corporate ladder—he built his own stage, starting in his grandmother’s basement and sneaking into the Vans Warped Tour just to get in the mix.
Fueled by punk rock ethos and a deep belief in community, Mike turned a handmade drum into a global brand, co-founding SJC Drums and earning the trust of artists like Tré Cool and Josh Dun.
But it’s not just about drums—it’s always been about people. Mike’s superpower is dot-connecting: bridging artists, brands, and fans through authenticity, storytelling, and grit. Whether mentoring young creatives or sparking ideas in green rooms, he shows up with heart, hustle, and a mission to help others turn passion into purpose.
The Rise of SJC Drums - est. 2000
The rise of SJC Drums started in a basement—but it didn’t stay there long.
Co-founded by Mike Ciprari in 2000, the brand gained early momentum when a young Panic! at the Disco brought their custom kit on national TV (2006 MTV VMA's) and arena tours, turning heads and making noise. That moment cracked open the industry door, and Mike ran through it, forging deep relationships with artists and building a reputation for bold design and unmatched craftsmanship.
As icons like Tré Cool (Green Day) and Josh Dun (Twenty One Pilots) joined the family, SJC became more than a drum company—it became a cultural touchpoint.
Mike’s instinct for collaboration, early adoption of social media, and fearless commitment to community-first marketing turned SJC into a movement, proving that with enough grit, vision, and hustle, a DIY dream can reshape the music industry.
A New Chapter - Loyal to the Craft - est. 2017
Loyal to the Craft (LTTC) is Mike’s next chapter—a high-impact platform built to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs. Born from gratitude for a dream career and fueled by the belief that success is a web, not a ladder, LTTC blends real-world strategy with soul.
When Mike met Steve Van Doren from VANS in 2017, it sparked a vision to build something that gives back.
Today, LTTC delivers storytelling-driven webinars, live events, and hands-on resources that turn passion into purpose.
Our mission: to create safe, inspiring spaces for Gen Z and beyond to grow their voice, build community, and rewrite the rules of what a career in creativity looks like.
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Recognized Entrepreneur & In-Demand Speaker
Mike’s story has been featured in:
— Forbes
— CNBC's The Profit
— Entrepreneur Magazine
— Modern Drummer
— Worcester Business Journal’s 40 Under 40
— National FedEx Small Business commercial
He’s collaborated with brands like Vans, Liquid Death, Topo Chico, Jack Daniels, Red Bull, and Hard Rock Casino, blending music, lifestyle, and marketing into a powerful storytelling engine.
He was even featured on Anthony Bourdain’s Raw Craft, showcasing his relentless commitment to craftsmanship.
Mentor. Educator. Advocate.
Mike is deeply committed to giving back.
He’s partnered with organizations like Make-A-Wish, School of Rock, Find Your Grind, and Vans, mentoring the next generation of creatives through workshops, speaking engagements, and one-on-one guidance.
He’s delivered powerful talks at NAMM, Full Sail University, School of Rock, and more—sharing honest, hard-won insights on entrepreneurship, branding, and community-building.
Book Mike Ciprari for Your Next Event
Looking for a speaker who actually walks the talk?
Mike’s keynotes are high-energy, no-fluff sessions packed with real strategies, powerful stories, and actionable takeaways. Whether you’re a startup team, a creative community, or a corporate audience, Mike delivers transformative sessions on:
— DIY Marketing & Brand Building
— Community Growth Strategies
— The Entrepreneurial Mindset
— Turning Passion into Profit
Every audience leaves inspired—and equipped to take bold action.