Memorable Moments in Chicagoland Innovation

 

About This Series: The story of innovation in Chicago is best told through the experiences of accomplished local visionaries. All innovators are blessed with imagination, drive and at least a bit of serendipity. In this 10-part series, we will showcase how inspiration turns into execution and the creation of new systems. These stories are only the beginning.
 

Featured Chicago Innovator: Brad Harrison, Founder, Harrison Harmonicas

 

Brad Harrison on Why Confidence is the Key to Success

 
Over the past dozen years, Brad Harrison has customized harmonicas for the likes of Mick Jagger, Bruce Willis and Jason Ricci. During a recent consulting stint with Sazuki in Japan, this master of harmony had an epiphany.

 

“I realized that they did not understand the instrument the way I did as a player,” he said. “I immediately broke my contract to come home and do it my way.”

 

After turning down a six-figure offer and ongoing royalty to acquire his harmonica design. Harrison spent the 14-hour flight home figuring out how his own manufacturing operations would work. Having visited and worked in factories in Asia and South America, Harrison was convinced that he could economically develop a world-class facility and center of operations in Illinois.

 

“I started running the numbers in my head and began jumping out of my seat when I realized that I can really do this,” he said.

 

Harrison, who lives and works on Chicago’s north side, opened up a manufacturing facility in Rockford. Last year, Harrison Harmonica was first among all early-stage companies in the Innovate Illinois contest. Later this summer, the company will release its B-Radical line of harmonicas. Harrison also handles custom designs, although with so much current demand he requires 180-day lead-time for the work.

 

Giving up the security of the Sazuki contract was not Harrison’s only sacrifice. These days he barely has the time to play the instrument he loves.

 

“Nowadays, I don’t practice at all,” he said. “The only chance I get to play is when I customize each harmonica.”
 

 

 

The "Innovation in Chicago" series features interviews and work by Brad Spirrison. Brad is a local technology writer and media creator. Each week he authors the “Tech Matters” column in the Chicago Sun-Times. He can be reached at brad@chicago.com.