Pro-Mark

Promark was founded in 1957 by percussion instructor and shop owner Herb Brochstein in Houston, Texas. It was the first company to introduce Japanese Shira-Kashi white oak into the American market, and the only company to successfully market oak sticks in the United States. The wood provided for Promark is supplied by Japanese trader Tatsuo Kosaka. In recent years, Promark has moved to use of non-endangered wood and a "green" finishing process to make their sticks and manufacturing processes safer to the player and the environment.[1]

In 1985, Promark patented a rute for drum kit use, introducing it as the Hot Rod. Several similar models followed, both from them and other manufacturers.

Promark offers many signature products from notable players and endorsees, such as System Blues by the Blue Devils for field marching, and the Todd Suchermans (Styx) for stage playing. Other autographed models are by Nick Mason, Dave Lombardo, Phil Collins, Neil Peart, DJ Johnson, Mike Portnoy, Tommy Aldridge, Chris Adler, Marco Minnemann, Jason Bonham, Joey Jordison, Paul Wertico, Bill Bruford, Jason Bittner and Charlie Adams.

• Official website
• Herb Brochstein Interview at NAMM Oral History Collection (2004)
• Maury Brochstein Interview at NAMM Oral History Collection (2006)