I arrived in Russia in September, and I got the gear off the ship which was no small task. I met the missionary, Mr. Crosby, who started the St. Petersburg church. I discovered that he was holding a conference in St. Petersburg on October 4th for many little churches throughout Russia. I remember the date because it is my birthday. I was able to attend the conference and found out that some of the churches had written letters to Mr. Crosby in previous years expressing a need for guitars and accessories. I ended up giving half of the guitar equipment to the St. Petersburg church, and half to the little churches that had been fervantly praying for years that God would provide them with musical gear. Before I left Russia, I had a talk with Mr. Crosby, and I told him I was suppose to start a guitar company. He asked me if I had ever built a guitar, and I said no. He sort of chuckled at this. But, I was serious. While in St. Petersburg, I felt in my spirit that God was directing me to make and sell guitars. I just knew it like I know my own name. I sensed that I had a long hard road ahead of me, but I had faith that God would lead me to complete what He started.
Goldfish Guitars Founder and CEO, Timothy Harrington
How Goldfish Guitars Began
The Russia Story
In May 2001, I was working as an engineer on a ship stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. One day after eating lunch, I had a very strong impression or word in my mind as I was returning to my room on the ship. I heard the word "guitars," and it permeated my whole being. The impression nearly threw me across the passageway. I did not know what to do with this experience, but I knew I had to do something. So I went to the local Guitar Center which was having a blowout sale and purchased approximately 15 guitars. I stored these guitars in my room on the ship and waited. I prayed and asked God what I was supposed to do next. The only thing that came to mind was a Russian church I once attended. I had been to St. Petersburg in 1999 on a ship and attended a Sunday church service there. The church's musical instruments were junk, and I was angered by this at the time. When this Russian church came to mind after buying the guitars, I called my mother in Maine and told her about my impressions. Somehow, my mom knew someone in Maine who knew about the St. Petersburg church. I was able to communicate with the church and purchased more musical gear for them. I tried to make plans to transport the instruments to Russia, but nothing worked out.
In June, my ship sailed from Norfolk to New Orleans where it was to be stationed for awhile. I had plans to stay on this ship in New Orleans, but I got into a rather nasty arguement with the crazy chief engineer, and I quit late in July. Now, what was I going to do? First, I had a roomful of musical gear; second, I had to move it all off the ship; and third, how was I going to get it to Russia? I am in a maritime union so the first thing I did was go to the New Orleans union hall to register my union shipping card. When I arrived, there were no jobs posted on the job board. I left to do some more union business, and when I got back, there was one job listed on the board- a second engineer's job out of New Orleans to St. Petersburg, Russia. Needless to say, I took the job thanking God for providing free transportation for the guitars and paying me to get them there.
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Goldfish Guitars, a Texas corporation in 2002
In the final months of 2001, I began sketching guitar designs. I started with the cross symbol, but soon one of the cross guitars morphed into a fish. As a marine engineer who works on ships at sea, I often observe fish. Thinking about real fish and the Christian fish symbol found on the backs of cars, I continued to brainstorm. Along with my sketching, I taught myself Autocad for design over many months and bought a milling machine for prototypes. The fish shape continued to inspire me as I spent weeks and weeks refining my guitar designs and colors and learning everything I could about patents and trademarks. During this process, I met a computer genius who built the Goldfish website for me. Finally, late in 2002, I incorporated, and Goldfish Guitars was born.
Since then, I have continued to design and have focused my attention on my kids guitars. The guitar business is highly competitive, but unique quality kids guitars are scarce. I feel I have found my niche for now. I hope to lead others, especially children, into my love and passion for guitars and music.
I have had many ups and downs with Goldfish Guitars, but I keep the faith. My company is my passion. I hope you enjoy your Goldfish Guitar!
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