Eric McKenna

updated Sept 2010…

Well – where to begin. And how do I do this without boring everyone. Might be impossible but I’ll give it my best try…

Actually, in 2006, as part of a larger promotional video production we did for Boogie Street, I was interviewed. The first 20 minutes of the following video provides some insight of what my business side is about as well as some of my personal history.

Boogie Street Guitars is so a ‘part’ of me that I have to remember at times to ‘pull myself’ away and that I do have a wonderful life outside of BSG.

So…a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

I’m a lifelong Pittsburgh/Western Pennsylvania resident. If you must know, I was born in January of 1966 in a small Pittsburgh suburb of Coraopolis. Thankfully, I’ve escaped Coraopolis and currently reside in another Pittsburgh suburb of Mt. Lebanon. I’m not one of those people who hold the fondest memories of my hometown. If it fell into the Ohio river tomorrow, I would not lose any sleep over it.

Anyway…

I’ve traveled quite a bit in my life and am still traveling.

I’ve also been blessed with two of the most amazing children from my first marriage. My son is Austin Major McKenna and his younger sister is Gwendolyn Leigh McKenna.

Besides playing guitar and selling guitars I also truly enjoy photography. I have since I was about 10 and I acquired my first SLR camera. The digital age has really made photography just so much more amazing and I’m making sure I’m getting my fill. I make it a point to shoot daily. Guitars, people, things. Or as my kids say… KIDS, guitars, things. I have well over 60K pictures of my kids dating back to the day they were each born. Yes – I know. It’s a bit much but I love it! My equipment includes a Nikon D300, D2x, D2hs and a D90. And certainly – a bunch of glass (lenses).

If you have the time and are curious….or just bored, head over to my Flickr account. We are well over the 80K total of pictures there and it just keeps growing! We have albums that include our family as well as various albums pertaining to BSG.

I enjoy most sports. Of course, growing up and living in Pittsburgh – I’m indeed a Steeler fan. I’m not a ‘fanatic’ like most of the city is in regards to the ‘Stillers’ – but certainly I enjoy watching them and seeing a game. I’m still convinced the 70′s Steelers teams were the greatest ever. And Terry Bradshaw is still the greatest QB. Period. End of story. Did I mention that the Steelers have SIX of these…

I’m more of a baseball guy but… the huge problem is the Pittsburgh Pirates. The organization is a joke. I do enjoy rooting for the Oakland A’s. As a matter of fact, I’ve been an A’s fan since I was very young. And I actually remember watching the bits of the three World Series Championships in the early 70s! Yup… I’m that old. GO A’s!!!!!!!

Politically, I’m a conservative. I’m a capitalist. And I believe in our Constitution as the law of the land. All of this, by default, makes me a Republican. And while I really don’t care for ‘labels’ much – I am what I am. I have plenty of Liberal friends and associates as well as customers. No issues there. I get along with most everyone and it’s the difference of views that makes our nation great. And I enjoy my Liberal friends very much. To me it all comes down to one’s belief structure and personal philosophy.

Actually, in the early 90′s I had this utterly ridiculous idea that I could return to my hometown of Coraopolis and run of office and make some positive changes. I did run and I did win and I did serve. But it was difficult getting anything done as a 20 something Councilman of a small milltown. It was quite an eye opening experience. I’m glad I did it. However it was quite difficult at times. My legacy I suppose was the spearheading of dismissal of a 40 plus year police chief who was not only corrupt but mentally and physically no longer able to perform. Got quite a bit of heat over that firing and it left a mark on me. But nobody said life would be easy. And I honestly believe I left the town in better, safer hands than when I took office.

To wrap this up before you fall asleep – my current life and state of mind is quite good.  While I yearn for more and more time with my kids, the time I do have is wonderful and eventful! They add so much joy to my life! Boogie Street Guitars is my life’s work and almost like a child.

I believe that life moves on and usually for the better. My motto is that there is beauty all around you if you just take the time to look. Meaning, life itself, the people, events, places, they are all beautiful. We just need to take stock in the blessings we each have. I honestly think that is the ‘key’.

Well – that basically sums it up!

Thanks so much for reading. I can be found here or at Boogie Street Guitars and I can be reached by email at boogiestreetguitars@gmail.com

HEY – WAKE UP!!

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