Mitch Zlotnik, Audimute Founder: Most Interesting People 2026

Soundproofing Beats: Zlotnik began playing the drums in the seventh grade, after experimenting on his sister’s boyfriend’s drum kit. “I started visiting him as often as he would have me in his house to play.”  

Drugstore Start: Zlotnik developed his entrepreneurial savvy working in marketing for Medic Drug, a regional drugstore chain once co-owned by his father, Jerry Zlotnik. “I was trying all these different things because we were trying to offset losses in the pharmacy.” 

Out of Necessity: Audimute is the result of a solution that Zlotnik, who once played in a jazz band called One Wish, developed to quiet neighbors who complained when he practiced drumming in his South Euclid bungalow. “You can’t even have a conversation once a person has called the police on you a couple of times. They’ve been more than patient before they pick up the phone and call the cops.” 

Powered By The Pandemic: Zlotnik says the health crisis thrust Audimute into the music business. “Everybody went home. Nobody could go to recording studios.”  

Hands-On Owner: Zlotnik has converted spare rooms, basements and backyard sheds into studios for the likes of Chad Smith, drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Jake Sommers, percussionist for country superstar Luke Combs. 

Meet the rest of the 2026 class of Most Interesting People >>

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