Cinder Block Positions Itself for Strong Growth in 2011 - Hires Brian Furano as Vice President of Artist Relations

OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cinder Block, the world's leading independent music merchandiser, is poised for a banner year in 2011 after adding Brian Furano as Vice President of Artist Relations.  Furano comes with deep roots in the music industry and is an innovator in artist merchandising.  Furano started his career at Signatures Network, rising to the level of Executive Director of Artist Relations.  He left Signatures Network to found Riot House, a new media branding firm that develops cutting edge e-commerce strategies.  "I could not be happier to be joining the Cinder Block team," said Furano.  "The company has a great reputation, and I am very excited to bring my relationships and ground breaking e-commerce strategies to Cinder Block and help the company achieve its next level of growth."

The addition of Furano comes on the heels of the company's hiring of industry veteran Michael Kromnick as Chief Operating Officer last year.  "With the expertise and experience that Michael and Brian bring to the table," said Cinder Block founder and president Jeffery Bischoff, "coupled with the strength of the existing team, the company is positioned to build on its twenty plus year history and make 2011 its best year ever."

"I am thrilled that Brian is on board," said Michael Kromnick.  "His energy, passion and experience will enable us to reach a new level of service to our customers and build on our success stemming from our collaborative approach to working with artists, placing special emphasis on customer service, creative business solutions, and quality designs."

In 2011 Cinder Block will continue to build on its successes in 2010, which saw it re-sign Weezer as well as sign deals with several other top tier and emerging acts such as The National, Phoenix, Coheed and Cambria, and Alkaline Trio.  Cinder Block is also the official merchandise home for artists and tours like The Pixies, Flogging Molly, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown, and the Vans Warped Tour.

About Cinder Block

Cinder Block is the largest independent music merchandising and licensing company in the United States. Its services include full service tour management, tour supply, retail distribution, e-commerce solutions, licensing and design. Its emphasis has always been on quality, integrity, customer service and product innovation, principles derived from the company's roots in punk rock. Its current roster includes artists such as Weezer, Death Cab for Cutie, The Shins, Misfits, REM and many others. Visit www.cinderblock.com for more information. Cinder Block is a portfolio company of Transom Capital Group.

SOURCE Cinder Block