We were lucky to catch up with Bob McCutcheon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bob, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The Vault is (and always will be) a passion project. Our mission is to create an environment where artists can connect, collaborate and share. We build a state-of-the-art facility and gathered an award winning team with a vision to elevate the experience beyond anything accessible in the region. Our work through The Ryan McCutcheon Rhythm19 Fund (charitable fund run through the Pittsburgh Foundation) allows us to provide access to music for children and to use music to enrich the lives of those with challenges or special needs. Collectively, our bus ion is to elevate Pittsburgh’s profile in the music world by shining a light on the talent in the region.

Bob, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve had a passion for music since I was very young. I played trumped in school band and then picked up the guitar in high school. I played in local clubs, did some touring then got into writing and recording my own music. Gradually I started recording friends and other local bands which led me to start my first recording studio while working my way through college.

After graduating college I started what ended up being a 28 year career with ProcewaterhouseCoopers. Ultimately retiring as managing partner – but always following my passion for music and recording.

While on a business trip to Europe I stumbled across the documentary “Sound City” on the in-flight movies. The documentary was written by Dave Grohl of Nirvana and The Foo Fighters. It was moving story about the studio that ch aged his life. I got off that plane know that I was going to build my next studio and pursue that lifelong dream. In 2016 construction was complete and The Vault opened as a private studio.

After my son, Ryan, passed in an automobile accident in 2017, I shifted focus. I connected with six-time Grammy winning engineer Jimmy Hoyson and partnered to run the studio commercially. I retired from PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2018 and started The Vault and The Rhythm19 fund that summer.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

As shared earlier, I only came to realize, through the tragic loss of my son, the importance of staying true to your passion and not losing yourself in the process of pursuing career, raising family and the grind of daily life. Of course those things are equally important, but often we lose ourselves along the way. Remember what you love and what “lights you up” and make time in your life to keep it.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One thing I learned early in my career at PriceaterhouseCoopers, is that success has more to do with intellectual curiosity and determination than intellect. You learn from your collective experiences, so the more you can emerse yourself and experience the more you will “know”. I was always blessed to work in an environment where I was constantly learning. I learned new industries, new business models and new technology constantly. My shift into the music industry was not a difficult pivot. Just like any other new industry, I researched and dove into it with determination. Having a passion certainly helped.

Contact Info:

• Website: Thevaultrecording.com
• Instagram: Thevaultrecording
• Facebook: The Vault Recording
• Linkedin: Bob McCutcheon
• Twitter: @vault_recording
• Youtube: @insidethevault1254
• Other: The Vault Short Documentary they tells our story. https://youtu.be/GEVL7K4f9f8?si=7MGUxlW8I8b1yeX7