Margaret O’Loughlin commenced work in the music products industry in 1978 assisting her husband Peter O’Loughlin. Peter worked as the Australian Sales Agent for CBS Musical Instruments which included Fender Guitars, Rhodes Pianos, and Rogers Drums.
Peter’s career started in 1954 working with the Australian Record Company (CBS) and after a long career in Record Sales, he was asked to lead the CBS Musical Instruments wholesale division. His association with Fender dates to the 60’s, when CBS took over the Fender business in Australia. Peter was one of the founding Committee members of the AMA and served on the AMA board for many years.
In 1981 Peter fell ill and he passed away in 1982.
Margaret initially started working in a Sales Agent Role in late 1982, which included traveling to the USA, NAMM shows, the Music Messe at Frankfurt and working with the 20 Australian dealers.
Margaret established a sound reputation for honesty and integrity, and formed good relations with Australian dealers, Musicians, and the team at Fender globally.
In 1985, a management buyout of Fender occurred led by Bill Shultz and Bill Mendello. Margaret was asked to participate in the buyout and remains a shareholder in FMIC to this day.
Margaret initiated significant change to the business model and started Fender Australia Pty Limited and conducted a National Wholesale operation out of premises in Botany.
Margaret’s son David joined the business in 1995 as General Manager.
Margaret worked on the AMA board for many years, and was President of the AMA for two of these years.
Fender Australia has attended every AMA trade show and enjoyed working with the fellow members of the trade.
Margaret enjoyed growing the Fender Brand in Australia and enjoyed promoting music through her work on the AMA board and fostering close relations with many musicians for some 40 years.
In 2016 FMIC offered to acquire the operations of Fender Australia Pty Limited.
Margaret retired in 2016, after completing the sale of the operations of Fender Australia Pty Limited.