Meet Our Team
Richard Ruggero – Owner & Registered Piano Technician
Richard Ruggero has been a part of Ruggero Piano since 1978 and assumed ownership in 1981. As both the owner and a Registered Piano Technician, he is dedicated to working with a great team to bring musical joy and fulfillment to customers through exceptional piano sales and service. His primary responsibilities include overseeing customer satisfaction, managing the restoration and service departments, and training the next generation of piano technicians. Outside of work, Richard enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, family, and dog, Tori, attending his BSF Bible study group, and traveling to the beach with his wife, Deborah. A man of faith, he is grateful for the many blessings God has provided and feels privileged to use his gifts and talents in a career he truly enjoys.
Richard Ruggero – Owner & Registered Piano Technician
Richard Ruggero has been a part of Ruggero Piano since 1978 and assumed ownership in 1981. As both the owner and a Registered Piano Technician, he is dedicated to working with a great team to bring musical joy and fulfillment to customers through exceptional piano sales and service. His primary responsibilities include overseeing customer satisfaction, managing the restoration and service departments, and training the next generation of piano technicians. Outside of work, Richard enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, family, and dog, Tori, attending his BSF Bible study group, and traveling to the beach with his wife, Deborah. A man of faith, he is grateful for the many blessings God has provided and feels privileged to use his gifts and talents in a career he truly enjoys.
Deborah Ruggero – Owner
Deborah Ruggero has been a part of Ruggero Piano since 1989 and, while now retired from her role as office manager, she remains actively involved as co-owner. Her favorite part of working at Ruggero Piano has always been the people—both the dedicated staff and the wonderful customers. These days, she stays connected by attending meetings, bringing in supplies, celebrating staff birthdays, and hosting special events. Outside of work, Deborah loves spending time with her five grandchildren, attending church and Bible study, and relaxing at the beach. She is truly grateful for the incredible Ruggero Piano team and the loyal customers who have supported the business over the years.
Deborah Ruggero – Owner
Deborah Ruggero has been a part of Ruggero Piano since 1989 and, while now retired from her role as office manager, she remains actively involved as co-owner. Her favorite part of working at Ruggero Piano has always been the people—both the dedicated staff and the wonderful customers. These days, she stays connected by attending meetings, bringing in supplies, celebrating staff birthdays, and hosting special events. Outside of work, Deborah loves spending time with her five grandchildren, attending church and Bible study, and relaxing at the beach. She is truly grateful for the incredible Ruggero Piano team and the loyal customers who have supported the business over the years.
Chris Ruggero – General Manager
Chris Ruggero officially joined the family business in 2012, though he grew up surrounded by pianos and the craftsmanship that defines Ruggero Piano. As General Manager, he oversees business operations, maintains relationships with partners and manufacturers, and handles marketing, bookkeeping, and piano sales. Chris loves working with the talented Ruggero Piano team—many of whom are family—and helping customers find their perfect piano. Outside of work, he enjoys attending Carolina Hurricanes games, spending time at the beach, and making memories with his wife and kids.
Chris Ruggero – General Manager
Chris Ruggero officially joined the family business in 2012, though he grew up surrounded by pianos and the craftsmanship that defines Ruggero Piano. As General Manager, he oversees business operations, maintains relationships with partners and manufacturers, and handles marketing, bookkeeping, and piano sales. Chris loves working with the talented Ruggero Piano team—many of whom are family—and helping customers find their perfect piano. Outside of work, he enjoys attending Carolina Hurricanes games, spending time at the beach, and making memories with his wife and kids.
Zach Rowe – Registered Piano Technician
Zach Rowe has been a member of the Ruggero Piano team since 2015. With expertise in both piano sales and technical service, he enjoys helping customers find the perfect instrument while also solving complex technical challenges. His primary responsibilities include piano sales, technical support, and piano service, making him a versatile asset to the team. Outside of work, Zach is passionate about music production, attending live concerts, and running. His deep knowledge of pianos and commitment to customer satisfaction make him an essential part of the Ruggero Piano experience.
Zach Rowe – Registered Piano Technician
Zach Rowe has been a member of the Ruggero Piano team since 2015. With expertise in both piano sales and technical service, he enjoys helping customers find the perfect instrument while also solving complex technical challenges. His primary responsibilities include piano sales, technical support, and piano service, making him a versatile asset to the team. Outside of work, Zach is passionate about music production, attending live concerts, and running. His deep knowledge of pianos and commitment to customer satisfaction make him an essential part of the Ruggero Piano experience.
Hyun Joo – Registered Piano Technician
Hyun Joo has been a member of the Ruggero Piano team since 2018. As a Registered Piano Technician, he enjoys working with a variety of pianos and assisting customers in the field. His primary responsibilities include piano tuning, servicing sold pianos before delivery, and maintaining the showroom’s instruments to ensure they are in top condition. Outside of work, Hyun Joo loves playing soccer and golf, as well as spending quality time with his wife and son. His passion for pianos and commitment to excellent service make him an invaluable part of our team.
Hyun Joo – Registered Piano Technician
Hyun Joo has been a member of the Ruggero Piano team since 2018. As a Registered Piano Technician, he enjoys working with a variety of pianos and assisting customers in the field. His primary responsibilities include piano tuning, servicing sold pianos before delivery, and maintaining the showroom’s instruments to ensure they are in top condition. Outside of work, Hyun Joo loves playing soccer and golf, as well as spending quality time with his wife and son. His passion for pianos and commitment to excellent service make him an invaluable part of our team.
Bob Salvato – Registered Piano Technician
Bob Salvato is a Registered Piano Technician who joined the Ruggero Piano team in 2021. He takes great pride in preparing preowned pianos for sale and ensuring each instrument meets the highest standards before reaching its new home. Bob’s responsibilities include tuning and preparing pianos for the showroom and delivery, assisting customers in selecting the right piano, and providing expert in-home tuning and service. Outside of work, he enjoys writing songs, spending time with family, and staying active with daily walks. Bob is incredibly grateful to the Ruggero family for their support and encouragement in his journey to becoming the best piano technician he can be.
Bob Salvato – Registered Piano Technician
Bob Salvato is a Registered Piano Technician who joined the Ruggero Piano team in 2021. He takes great pride in preparing preowned pianos for sale and ensuring each instrument meets the highest standards before reaching its new home. Bob’s responsibilities include tuning and preparing pianos for the showroom and delivery, assisting customers in selecting the right piano, and providing expert in-home tuning and service. Outside of work, he enjoys writing songs, spending time with family, and staying active with daily walks. Bob is incredibly grateful to the Ruggero family for their support and encouragement in his journey to becoming the best piano technician he can be.
Jay McCusker – Registered Piano Technician
Jay McCusker has been a valued member of the Ruggero Piano team for over 15 years, bringing expertise, dedication, and a deep passion for pianos to every aspect of his work. He takes great pride in delivering the highest quality craftsmanship, ensuring that every customer receives the best possible service. Jay believes that listening, effective communication, and a customer-first approach are key to creating meaningful and lasting relationships. His professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence make him an integral part of the team. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling to experience new places, and continuously expanding his knowledge—whether through music, history, or new skills. He feels incredibly fortunate to do what he loves every day and embodies the philosophy that when you love your work, it never feels like a job.
Jay McCusker – Registered Piano Technician
Jay McCusker has been a valued member of the Ruggero Piano team for over 15 years, bringing expertise, dedication, and a deep passion for pianos to every aspect of his work. He takes great pride in delivering the highest quality craftsmanship, ensuring that every customer receives the best possible service. Jay believes that listening, effective communication, and a customer-first approach are key to creating meaningful and lasting relationships. His professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence make him an integral part of the team. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling to experience new places, and continuously expanding his knowledge—whether through music, history, or new skills. He feels incredibly fortunate to do what he loves every day and embodies the philosophy that when you love your work, it never feels like a job.
John Harrell – Registered Piano Technician
John Harrell has been a dedicated member of the Ruggero Piano team since 1999, serving as a Registered Piano Technician. He enjoys meeting interesting people and helping them make music by improving the performance of their pianos. In addition to his technical expertise, John connects customers with valuable resources in the music community, including teachers and performances, while always striving to bring a positive presence to his work. Outside of Ruggero Piano, he enjoys playing the saxophone, traveling, and spending time at home with his wife and their cats.
John Harrell – Registered Piano Technician
John Harrell has been a dedicated member of the Ruggero Piano team since 1999, serving as a Registered Piano Technician. He enjoys meeting interesting people and helping them make music by improving the performance of their pianos. In addition to his technical expertise, John connects customers with valuable resources in the music community, including teachers and performances, while always striving to bring a positive presence to his work. Outside of Ruggero Piano, he enjoys playing the saxophone, traveling, and spending time at home with his wife and their cats.
Garland Mason – Shop Manager
Garland Mason has been a member of the Ruggero Piano team since 2018, bringing expertise and passion to the art of piano restoration. As Shop Manager, he specializes in rebuilding and refinishing pianos, managing inventory, and coordinating piano delivery logistics. He enjoys the challenge of understanding and addressing the unique needs of each instrument he works on. Outside of Ruggero Piano, Garland is an active musician, serving as the lead singer for the local band Four Founders and hosting an open mic night at Bond Brothers Eastside. In his free time, he enjoys running, lifting weights, and cooking.
Garland Mason – Shop Manager
Garland Mason has been a member of the Ruggero Piano team since 2018, bringing expertise and passion to the art of piano restoration. As Shop Manager, he specializes in rebuilding and refinishing pianos, managing inventory, and coordinating piano delivery logistics. He enjoys the challenge of understanding and addressing the unique needs of each instrument he works on. Outside of Ruggero Piano, Garland is an active musician, serving as the lead singer for the local band Four Founders and hosting an open mic night at Bond Brothers Eastside. In his free time, he enjoys running, lifting weights, and cooking.
Jacob McIver – Shop Assistant
Jacob McIver joined Ruggero Piano in 2020 and plays a key role in preparing preowned pianos to their best possible playing and aesthetic condition. As a Shop Assistant, he focuses on repairing and buffing piano cabinets, moving and organizing inventory, and assisting with piano rebuilding and other shop projects. Jacob takes great pride in his work, ensuring each instrument is in top shape before reaching its new home. Outside of work, he enjoys writing songs, exercising, and working on cars and other hands-on projects.
Jacob McIver – Shop Assistant
Jacob McIver joined Ruggero Piano in 2020 and plays a key role in preparing preowned pianos to their best possible playing and aesthetic condition. As a Shop Assistant, he focuses on repairing and buffing piano cabinets, moving and organizing inventory, and assisting with piano rebuilding and other shop projects. Jacob takes great pride in his work, ensuring each instrument is in top shape before reaching its new home. Outside of work, he enjoys writing songs, exercising, and working on cars and other hands-on projects.
Kristi Barden – Office Manager
Kristi Barden joined Ruggero Piano in 2023 as the Office Manager and enjoys the challenge of coordinating the logistics of scheduling piano technicians. Her primary responsibilities include organizing piano tuning and service appointments, scheduling recitals, and providing excellent customer service. Outside of work, Kristi loves to travel, watch sports, and spend time outdoors in the sunshine. She is excited to be part of the Ruggero Piano team and to contribute to its commitment to outstanding service and customer care.
Kristi Barden – Office Manager
Kristi Barden joined Ruggero Piano in 2023 as the Office Manager and enjoys the challenge of coordinating the logistics of scheduling piano technicians. Her primary responsibilities include organizing piano tuning and service appointments, scheduling recitals, and providing excellent customer service. Outside of work, Kristi loves to travel, watch sports, and spend time outdoors in the sunshine. She is excited to be part of the Ruggero Piano team and to contribute to its commitment to outstanding service and customer care.
Arianne Smith – Office Assistant
Arianne Smith joined the Ruggero Piano team in 2021 and serves as our Office Assistant. From her very first day, she has loved the family-friendly atmosphere and the way everyone works together to get things done. Arianne’s main responsibilities include answering calls, organizing tuning schedules for our technicians, and handling various administrative tasks that keep our operations running smoothly. Outside of work, she enjoys singing with the Choral Society of Durham and the Vocal Arts Ensemble, quilting, and baking new treats to share with the team.
Arianne Smith – Office Assistant
Arianne Smith joined the Ruggero Piano team in 2021 and serves as our Office Assistant. From her very first day, she has loved the family-friendly atmosphere and the way everyone works together to get things done. Arianne’s main responsibilities include answering calls, organizing tuning schedules for our technicians, and handling various administrative tasks that keep our operations running smoothly. Outside of work, she enjoys singing with the Choral Society of Durham and the Vocal Arts Ensemble, quilting, and baking new treats to share with the team.