Meet The Patoma Team
Nick Tomasi
John Patalano Jr.
John Patalano Jr.
Co-Founder, Vice President - Production
Nick combines his expertise as both a tradesman and a machinist to bring a unique perspective to Patoma Music. At just 17, Nick earned a patent for the invention of the Patoma Pick, showcasing his inventive mindset and passion for innovation. With 15 years of guitar-playing experience, he brings a deep understanding of musicians' needs and is dedicated to creating products that elevate the playing experience.
Favorite Pick: Delrin® Standard Pick: 1.5mm Black
John Patalano Jr.
John Patalano Jr.
John Patalano Jr.
Co-Founder, President, Business Operations, Marketing
John graduated from Quinnipiac University with a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management and a Master’s in Business Administration. He leverages the marketing and sales strategies he acquired during his education to drive Patoma Music's growth. As a beginner guitarist, John is committed to improving his skills and strives to strum each day, bringing a personal connection to the brand’s mission.
Favorite Pick: Delrin® Standard Pick: 1.0mm Blue
John Patalano Sr.
John Patalano Jr.
John Patalano Sr.
Co-Founder, Business Operations, Sales
John brings over 30 years of business experience to Patoma Music, having achieved success as a multi-unit franchise owner in northern New Jersey. His strong leadership and business acumen drive the company's growth and strategic direction. With over 40 years of drumming experience, John also brings a deep passion for music, helping ensure our products meet the needs of musicians at every level.
Favorite Pick: Delrin® Standard Pick: .88mm Green
Our Story and the Patoma pick
The Idea
Co-founder Nicholas Tomasi began playing guitar at the age of 7 and has since built an impressive collection of over 30 guitars, with plans to acquire even more. As a teenager, Nick grew frustrated with his guitar picks constantly slipping from his hands. He learned from other guitarists that scratching up picks with a knife could improve grip. One day, while slicing up some new picks, Nick’s father, Mario, caught him and said, “Come on, Nicholas, you're going to find a better way to do this.” At the time, Mario worked in a small industrial diamond workshop that specialized in diamond-plated cutting wheels, which sparked an idea in Nick’s mind. Nick asked his dad if it was possible to apply the diamond grip from the cutting wheels to guitar picks. After a year of testing, Nick successfully created the world's first diamond-plated guitar pick. At just 17, Nicholas patented his groundbreaking invention and set the foundation for Patoma Music.
Establishing Patoma Music
Nick recognized the need for help in establishing his new diamond-plated pick business, so he brought in John Patalano Jr. as a business partner. Together, Nick and John set out to create a new identity for the brand and build a production facility. They wanted the brand to reflect their shared vision and the uniqueness of the product, which led to the creation of the name Patoma—a combination of their last names (Patalano and Tomasi). In November 2023, alongside John Patalano Sr., they officially launched Patoma Music. The company continues to grow, offering a variety of picks in different shapes and sizes. With many exciting plans for the future, the team is eager to continue expanding and bringing innovative products to musicians worldwide.