George Mieling
Vode Partner, CRO and International Rock Star
December 3, 2018
Q: How does being in a rock & roll band make you successful at Vode?
A: It helps me exercise my left brain. I deal with numbers, margins and revenues at Vode. When I play music I’m able to be creative and delve into a grey area. Music is my release valve and brain balancer.
Q: Do you think the new Vode ulo is more rock & roll or more business?
A: More rock & roll… always on the move, creative, colorful, adaptable and focused all at once.
Q: What song reminds you of a typical day at Vode?
A: Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More by the Allman Brothers. It reminds me that life is short and you need to make the most of each and every day.
On a good day… Takin’ Care of Business by Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
On a rough day… Ozzy Osbourne’s Crazy Train.
Q: How are Rock & Roll finances different than business finances.
A: When I make my $100 per gig I get really excited. It’s somehow more exciting than direct deposit. It’s my fun money.
Q: You were born and raised in Austria. How did this influence your musical stylings?
A: I started playing classical piano at age 8. Growing up in Vienna, music was taught to children at a very young age. All the kids in my neighborhood played multiple instruments. We sang Christmas carols and folks songs and music was a big part of everyday life. Of course, in my teens I started embracing jazz, blues and rock & roll.
Q: What was your best musical gig?
A: House of Blues in Chicago during this year’s Light Fair. A group of eclectic lighting professionals all rocking out together. There was a Hammond B3 organ on stage that was older than me. I played it for a bit and wondered how many other amazing musicians had touched those keys. If only that instrument could talk. It was quite humbling.
Q: How does your rock & roll fashion differ from your business fashion?
A: At Vode I wear loafers and a collared shirt. When I play, I never wear shoes and always a well-worn t-shirt.
Q: We hear you go barefoot when you play keyboards. How did this tradition start?
A: I’m an avid surfer and I always drive home after a day on the ocean without shoes to let the sand dry off my feet. I got used to bare feet on pedals. You have more control and flexibility. Gradually this evolved into my keyboard and now it’s my signature style at practice and gigs.
Q: So you also surf… and, you’re in a rock band. I bet your kids think you’re pretty cool, right?
A: Fer sure dude!
Q: How do you differ from the most interesting man in the world?
A: I don’t always use spreadsheets but when I do my pivot tables populate themselves.
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