Mike Ciprari shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Mike, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
Honestly, there’s no such thing as a “normal” day right now—and I kind of love that. I’m in a season where I’m juggling a lot: I’m a husband, a dad, a homeschool teacher, a business owner, a content creator, and someone trying to be really intentional about health and inner growth. Every day starts with checking in on myself first—physically and mentally—so I can show up as my best for my family and my work. Morning runs, journaling, time with my son… that’s my foundation.
Then, I shift into creative mode. I carve out space to dream and strategize—whether that’s mapping out an upcoming Loyal to the Craft activation at Vans Warped Tour, ideating content with bands I believe in, or building partnerships that help bring our community and mission to life. After that, it’s go time—calls, decks, logistics, budgeting, coordinating trucks, permits, gear, signage, whatever it takes to turn those ideas into experiences that hit hard and make an impact.
I’m in this unique lane where I get to bridge the gap between the old guard and the next generation of musicians and creatives—showing them it’s possible to build something real, something they believe in, without selling their soul. That’s the heartbeat of Loyal to the Craft. We’re not just building a brand, we’re building a movement—and that takes a lot of late nights, deep conversations, and being present in the chaos.
At the end of the day, my goal is to give more than I take, leave a mark that lasts, and create spaces—digital and physical—where people feel like they belong.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Mike Ciprari, co-founder of SJC Custom Drums and the founder of Loyal to the Craft. My whole career has been about building things that connect people through music and creativity. With Loyal to the Craft, I’m creating a platform that blends education, inspiration, and real-life opportunities for the next generation of musicians, creatives, and even parents who want to support their kids’ dreams.
What makes it unique is that it’s not just content—it’s a full ecosystem. We host pop-up events at festivals like Vans Warped Tour, create content with bands and artists, run webinars and masterclasses, and build safe spaces where people can learn, network, and grow. It’s a mix of punk rock DIY energy and intentional mentorship. We’re proving that passion-driven communities can be sustainable, impactful, and fun at the same time.
For me, it’s about giving more than I take. Everything I’m building is focused on showing young creatives they don’t have to wait for permission—there’s a path for them to do what they love and make it work.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad, hands down. He owned a car dealership for over 30 years, and I grew up working there—cleaning cars, moving the lot around during snowstorms, doing whatever needed to get done. But beyond the tasks, I got to watch him wear every hat as a small business owner: leader, problem solver, mentor, janitor, negotiator—sometimes all in the same day. That showed me early on that real work isn’t glamorous, but it’s meaningful when you care.
He’s still my go-to for advice. I call him every day to talk through leadership, business decisions, or just how to keep going when things feel heavy. He’s taught me how to chase big dreams without losing sight of my values—and he’s always been my biggest supporter. He took me to concerts as a teenager, helped my band buy our first van and trailer, and always believed in what I was building, even when it didn’t make sense on paper.
I think the way I lead Loyal to the Craft today is a direct reflection of his influence—hard work, heart, and showing up for the people around you.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. There were moments where things felt too overwhelming—when the vision wasn’t working out the way I hoped, partnerships fell through, or the pressure just felt too heavy. But instead of giving up, I pivoted. I dug deeper. I worked harder. I made new connections and found new ways forward. It wasn’t always pretty, and it definitely didn’t always go as planned, but I’m so glad I never quit on my dreams.
Every setback taught me something. Every closed door redirected me somewhere better—even if I couldn’t see it in the moment. That’s a big part of why I started Loyal to the Craft: to show the next generation that passion isn’t just a feel-good word—it’s fuel. It’s what gets you through the toughest chapters. You don’t have to have it all figured out, but you do have to keep going.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
For me, it’s Loyal to the Craft. There’s no map, no handbook—we’re building it one day at a time, fueled by passion and purpose. This isn’t about rushing to a finish line; there isn’t one. It’s about creating something that inspires the next generation of musicians and creatives the same way I was welcomed into music when I was young.
We’re constantly exploring, experimenting, and evolving—whether it’s through our activations, content with bands, or the community events we’re building. Every day is an opportunity to connect, learn, and create something that lasts. No matter how long it takes, this project is in full swing, and I’m committed to seeing it grow into something that outlives me.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m lucky—I’ve always done what I was born to do. From the time I was a kid, I knew I wanted to be around music, play music, create, and build things. My parents really supported that path—they didn’t try to push me into a traditional route, they guided me toward what lit me up.
My last “real job” outside of music was at Dunkin’ Donuts as a teenager, and I was only there to save up for drum parts so I could build drums. Not that running a global drum company wasn’t a “real job”—it absolutely was—but even with all the things I didn’t always want to do, my passion fueled me through and made it worth it.
That’s what I want every teenager to experience—that feeling of being right where you’re supposed to be, even if you have to hustle through some tough or boring situations along the way. If you stay loyal to what you were born to do, it’s possible to build a life around it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.loyaltothecraft.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loyaltothecraft
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeciprari/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LoyalToTheCraft
