Jakez François, head of Camac, is also a noted harp player and composer, adding to his leadership and understanding of the world of harps. Here in his own words, he tells about managing a harp company:

"I am now in charge of the company, and you cannot imagine how exciting a harpmaker's life is! I start in the factory very early in the morning because most of the workers do, too. This also allows me a few hours away from phone and office work. There are always a dozen projects in process. Production organization is important as we are always growing, so there are workshops to move or enlarge. Or we may work on harp improvements, from the smallest part of the harp to the construction of the whole instrument.

Harp Parts

"My work day also includes a few hours in front of the computer. I try to remember how life was before e-mails, but I cannot. I wonder what we used to do during all the hours that I now spend writing. I can hardly believe that sometimes my entire day is taken up with e-mail correspondence. And then there are meetings with bankers, discussions with worker shop-stewards, sales, payment concerns, or other business matters.

"One very pleasant part of my work includes taking time for harp events which we like to attend as they are the ideal place to meet harpists and learn what they expect from harps, and in particular from Camac harps. I also enjoy hearing news of the harp community, and, of course, we exhibit our instruments. These events are always exceptional times for us as harpmakers, even though they keep us away from the workshop.

Camac Pro-Harp Center

"My life as a harpmaker is really beyond my dreams. Working on a harp, from taking pen in hand to make the very first diagram, to the very last stage - organizing concerts and commissioning new pieces - is, for a harpist, an incredible thrill each day."