Behind Sturdy Roots is Multifaceted Entrepreneur, Lillian Werbin. Cultivating a desire to become more community driven, Lillian started Sturdy Roots LLC, in 2021. Sturdy Roots is geared towards helping non-profits create memorable events for their audiences and business optimization for organizations of all sizes. 

 

Sturdy Roots is a culmination of all the techniques Lillian has learned as the CEO and co-owner of Elderly Instruments. Lillian has benefitted greatly from having had the unique opportunity to lead one of the Midwest's most celebrated acoustic-music spots (Elderly Instruments). From the early days of attending guitar trade shows as a child to officially joining the company eleven years ago, Lillian has been immersed in various aspects of the business, from the warehouse to showroom sales, and even purchasing and marketing. Lillian's Public Relations degree from Western Michigan University has been instrumental in shaping the Sturdy Roots approach to business. Focusing on continuous improvement, Lillian is particularly skilled at assisting organizations keep focus in a fast-paced era of customer expectation.​ 

 

In recognition of their significant contributions to the music industry, Lillian was honored with the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Momentum Award for Industry Involvement in 2022. Under Lillian’s leadership, Elderly Instruments was named America’s Top Small Business by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2023, highlighting the store’s resilience and commitment to community engagement.

 

Additionally, Lillian’s involvement in the music community extends beyond Elderly Instruments and Sturdy Roots, as she participates in workshops and conferences, such as the Folk Alliance International conference and the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass conference.  Lillian Chairs the Board for Bluegrass Pride, and sits on the boards of the International Bluegrass Music Association Foundation, the National Association of Music Merchants, and the Rhapsody Project. In addition to all of this, Lillian co-directs Midwest Banjo Camp, Midwest Ukulele Camp, and The Banjo Gathering. Lillian has also been Festival Assistant for the Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival 4 out of 5 years and has planned Communities in Schools of MI's annual fundraiser in both 2024 and 2025. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing Lillian to blend their passion for music with their commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.