Episode running time: 29:53 seconds.
Often the people who achieve notable success in their lives have an inner passion and drive. They have that “zest and zeal” that is instantly recognizable.
Talk with Sharon Brawner, the new CEO of the National Corvette Museum, and you will feel her contagious energy. After spending an hour interviewing our new Corvette-driving CEO, we came away genuinely excited about the Museum’s future.
In addition to the passion for the Corvette brand, Sharon has the proven real-world experience to chart the way forward.
Her recent role was senior vice president of sales, marketing, and IT for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Under Sharon’s direction, just since the Museum’s 2014 expansion, earned revenues grew more than 42% through 2019.
These gross revenues exceeded $42.1 million, growing from $29.6 million in 2014.
NCM Search Committee Chair Kai Spande said in a press release, “There were many, but Sharon Brawner was the clear choice.”
Spande went on to say, “Not only does Sharon have extensive experience leading one of the most successful museums in the world, but she’s also a true car buff who was born and raised in Kentucky. We’re looking forward to a bright future with Sharon in the driver’s seat”.
After listening to our podcast interview with Sharon Brawner, you’ll come to the same conclusion we did.
There are exciting times ahead for the National Corvette Museum!
Show Notes
Looking for a specific question in the episode?
We’ve made it easy by providing the questions we asked in the show and where you can find them.
- Sharon, welcome to the show! – 1:58 seconds
- Besides being a Kentucky native, you’re also a true car enthusiast. What were your early years like growing up around cars? – 2:04 seconds
- Is there a story behind the color you selected for your 2019 Arctic White Grand Sport? – 4:40 seconds
- Can you tell us more about the Ambassador program and its importance to the Museum? – 6:42 seconds
- How has the 420-acre, NCM Motorsports Park become a key component of the Museum experience? – 8:30 seconds
- How can people donate, and what are the advantages of donating? – 11:22 seconds
- How can the NCM reach out and embrace the new C8 Corvette owners? – 17:16 seconds
- What are your thoughts on how to expand the National Corvette Museum engagement beyond the turnstile? – 20:39 seconds
- If you had the chance to give them all one message or ask them to do one thing, what would it be? – 23:19 seconds
- We’ve covered a lot of ground today, but is there a question I should have asked you but didn’t? – 24:17 seconds
- If people wanted more information about the National Corvette Museum, where would you direct them? – 27:52 seconds
Going Back Home
Our last excursion to the Museum was with the 5th Anniversary caravan in 1999. At the time, it felt like several thousand of us were going back home for the weekend.
On one hand, a lot has changed at the NCM over the past two decades. On the other hand, thankfully, one important part still remains the same.
Granted the general exhibits have evolved and expanded in-depth. The area devoted to conveying the February 12th, 2014, sinkhole incident told the story in a way that opened our eyes.
What hasn’t changed in over 20 years? The friendliness and passion of those working in the Museum.
We were there covering an R8C Museum delivery and experienced firsthand the warmth and genuineness of the team. You instinctively know when people enjoy what they do.
This team does and it shows the moment you walk through the front door, much the same way it did in 1999.
If you haven’t been to the National Corvette Museum yet, then mark it on your vacation calendar. If it’s been a while since you’ve walked inside the yellow Skydome, it’s time to go back home.
Museum Information
Address: 350 Corvette Dr, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Hours: 9:00 am on Sat & Sun, 10:00 am weekdays – closes 5 pm. Check hours before going.
Phone: (270) 781-7973
Website: National Corvette Museum
Our Podcast Series
Talking Tires, Cars, And Life With Corky Coker – Podcast
Vettes Of Atlanta Magazine Launches Ambitious New Podcast
Don’t Miss Out
Subscribe To Our FREE Newsletter