Ben Baldanza

At one point, I wanted to be a professional trombone player. Then I realized if I wanted to be a successful trombone player I’d have to be like one of the 10 best in the world and if I wanted to be a successful businessman I just had to be good.

The Music Business. At the end of the day, it’s a business. As passionate musicians, the business part is what often presents us with our greatest challenge in achieving success. Now more than ever, musicians must approach their craft with an eye towards business and an entrepreneurial mindset. With that in mind, twice a year we will dedicate a bone2pick interview to a super successful businessman/woman who has a strong connection to music and brass. We are honored to feature Ben Baldanza, CEO of Spirit Airlines, as our inaugural bone2pick biz interview. Ben graciously sits down with Michael to discuss his initial goal of becoming a trombone player, how he reached the apex of business success in becoming the CEO of a major corporation, his thoughts on how symphony orchestras can think more creatively, what musicians can do to enhance their own personal brand and finally his favorite airlines and airports. Don’t miss this electrifying, inspiring and educational interview with a musician who happens to be a CEO!