In the world of music and sound engineering, there are those whose lives are a culmination of passion, energy, and dedication. Among them stands Brian Dougherty ‘06, a distinguished alumnus of The Crane School of Music, whose journey from Potsdam to the global stage of audio technology exemplifies his harmonious blend of passion and devotion to music.
Dougherty's story is one of musical roots intertwined with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Growing up as the youngest of three, with both older brothers immersed in the world of music, Dougherty's earliest memories of music stem from his brother helping him build a drum set out of leftover band equipment. Inspired by his brother's eclectic tastes—from heavy metal to classical— Dougherty found solace and inspiration in the rhythm of life itself. From cracked snares to basement jams, his passion for music blossomed, fueled by private lessons with notable artists like Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and jazz drummer Joe Morello.
However, it was his time at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music that laid the groundwork for his career in the music business industry. Balancing his love for music with a burgeoning interest in business, he graduated with a dual degree in Music Business Administration and Business, complimented by minors in Music Education and Recording Engineering.
Starting with an internship at Samson Technologies his senior year Dougherty quickly became entrenched in the world of the music product industry. Samson Technologies offered him a job following his graduation that would help him delve deeper into the industry for the next nine years. From the bustling floors of NAMM conferences to the intricacies of key account management, his tenure at Samson gave him the ability to try on many different hats and paved the way for his next chapter—his latest tenure at Sennheiser.
Joining Sennheiser over a decade ago, Dougherty's ascent within the company has mirrored the crescendo of his career. Starting as a product manager, he swiftly ascended the ranks, culminating in his current role as Regional Key Account Manager for Sennheiser Group’s Amazon Account, where he oversees Amazon sales in North and South America while assisting the company’s other regional sales.
In this capacity, Dougherty has orchestrated a symphony of sales, marketing, and technical support, overseeing a critical account with a deft touch and unwavering dedication. For the last eight years, he has been driving customers to Sennheiser group products through Amazon web design and marketing. In his role, Dougherty has learned a lot about global music markets as he interacts with clients in countries ranging from Brazil to Canada. His contributions have extended beyond the boardroom, shaping the landscape of immersive audio and virtual reality, where innovation meets artistry in perfect harmony.
Yet, amidst all this success, Dougherty remains grounded, thinking about how he can give back to his alma mater and the next generation of Music Business students. He has not been able to make it back to campus since 2020, but he hopes to be a guest speaker at the Crane School of Music in the future. “I would love to get back and contribute in any way I can to the next generation of artists, musicians, and business go-getters at Potsdam,” he said.
But it's not merely nostalgia that beckons Dougherty back to Potsdam—it's a shared vision of community and creativity. Working tirelessly on a transformative park project in New York's Hudson Valley, he aims to create more than just a public space. The park will feature a local a sports facility, farmers market, farm-to-table restaurant, and music and video production studio. “I’m working on a public park project, which includes a 5,000-seat open-air performance venue. We’re striving to bring new cash flow and jobs to the community while creating a beautiful public space for all residents and tourists to enjoy. We’re currently in talks with the state to secure the 100-acre plot of land and move forward,” Dougherty explained.
His vision encompasses a vibrant tapestry of culture, commerce, and camaraderie—a testament to his unwavering commitment to enriching lives and uplifting communities. As Dougherty continues to succeed at Sennheiser Group, his journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
Article by Tim Petty ’24