Meet the Team

With Meet The HARMAN Luxury Team, our goal is for you to get to know us better. In each edition we feature a different member of the team, and this month it's Jerry Calder, Director or Sales, North America for HARMAN Luxury Audio Group, HARMAN Professional Solutions and HARMAN Embedded Audio business units.

How did your career path lead you to HARMAN?

I grew up in this industry, and HARMAN has always held my admiration. Attending JBL's factory training for JBL Synthesis was an incredible opportunity that deepened my enthusiasm for being part of this prestigious organization. Over the years, circumstances never quite aligned until now. I'm thrilled to finally be part of a team that represents some of the finest products in our industry, if not the very best. I couldn't be prouder.

What is the most important thing you have learned over your career?

In this industry, everyone is interconnected. Your word and reputation are paramount. Commit to your promises and deliver with excellence. Show respect for others and their perspectives. Continuously seek knowledge and share it whenever you can.

Any other advice you would share with people just starting out in this industry?

You have both something to contribute and something to gain. Discover your passion and chart a path to bring it to life. I'm here today because I've encountered incredible individuals on my journey and valued the chance to learn from them. Follow suit. If this industry sparks excitement within you, it will embrace your presence warmly.

What are you most proud of in your life?

I have two amazing children. They have both gone on to do amazing things in their lives.

When did you realize you had a passion for music or audio? Was there any one band, song, or movie that did it for you?

As a teenager, music became my emotional anchor. I was obsessed with having the best and loudest stereo system, earning me the nickname "Music Man" in high school. It wasn't any single song or movie that captivated me; rather, it was music's enduring passion and its unique ability to deeply connect with people that fascinated me from the start.

What current technology impresses you the most?

AI... joking or serious? If you haven't witnessed the videos of AI generating and performing songs based on prompts like "compose a western song featuring a truck, dog, ex-girlfriend and a love of Bourbon," you'll be amazed at how remarkably well the song turns out. The speed and complexity with which AI accomplishes this task in just minutes are truly eerie.

Favorite music genre?

Mood dependent. I have a love for almost everything.  I do have a passion for “The Drop”. The part of the song that invokes energy and passion.

The desert island question, of course. If you were marooned for eternity and could listen to only three albums, what would they be?

REALLY… I was starting to enjoy this interview process! Haha

1. Tom Petty – Full Moon Fever
2. B.B King & Eric Clapton – Riding With The King
3. AC/DC – The Very Best

You have the floor. In closing, tell us anything else you want us to know about yourself.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support me on this journey. I firmly believe in paying it forward, as I owe much of my success to those who recognized my potential and consistently pushed me to strive for more. If there's ever an opportunity for me to help, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our industry is both exciting and fulfilling. I encourage all of you to remain a part of it.