Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Davidson.
Brad, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Prior to the launch of GMG, my career in entertainment industry began in 1998 at Columbia Records. While at Columbia Davidson I rose to VP of Pop Promotion. I also served as VP of Pop Music at Reprise Records, EVP at TVT Records, and EVP at S-Curve Records. I played an integral role in steering the careers of artists including Beyonce, John Mayer, Jessica Simpson, Lil’ Jon, Train, Pit Bull, We The Kings and many others. I was a Professor of Music Business at The Clive Davis School, NYU and continue to guest lecture at Berklee College of Music in Boston. I am currently working on a new film production venture with actor, writer musician David Duchovny. We plan to make Davids second novel, Bucky F*cking Dent into a movie this summer.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest struggle on the journey is you have to understand that all roads have bumps, and life happens. Challenges are a constant and if you’re headed down a road that is only smooth, you probably aren’t challenging yourself enough. You have to do your best to move forward through the obstacles. My biggest challenge came in 2013 when I launched a successful business in NYC and decided to return to Boston. I moved back to Back Bay with my girlfriend, and just a week later I was on site during the unfortunate events of the Boston Marathon. My girlfriend lost one of her friends, Krystle Campbell, and I was pretty shook up for a while. It took some time to find a healthy balance in my life again, while in the midst of a new business launch. I learned to lean on people more and surrounded myself with a strong team. Today I rely on those people more than ever and it has ultimately strengthened my business and life.
Please tell us about GMG (Ging Management Group).
I am the founder of Ging Management Group, a full-service management company focusing on production, touring, merchandising, and content delivery. I’ve had the opportunity to work in many areas of entertainment while working for other companies. Although my responsibilities varied, I was primarily focused on one aspect at a time. As time grew I felt limited and wanted to create a company that specializes in multiple creative opportunities. In the past year we have worked on a new album campaign, international tours, digital branding projects, and are in the early stages of a film production. We seek out talented people that have something to contribute, and work with them on a variety of levels to bring it out and get it delivered.
When I started my own company I wanted to hire people that I felt could offer something I couldn’t, I worked for several bosses that were insecure of the people they managed. I always tried to do the opposite of that. My first hire was a girl named Kerry Lee that interned for me while working at a record label several years earlier. Kerry immediately brought value by her over talent and perspective. She has gone on to become the VP of Operations and her work and contribution serves as the backbone of everything we do.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
The only thing I would have changed is to carve more time out for myself through the early parts of my career. When I graduated college my motivation and passion to learn and achieve were very high. I can’t remember taking many days off or vacations. Although being a workaholic in my early years generated great success, I would have liked to take a few more breaks to enjoy the moments. That being said it is one of the things I implemented in my life when I started my own business. No matter how busy or overwhelmed, I always try to create time for myself to enjoy the other parts of my life. More travel, taking better care of my health, and spending time with people I care about.
Contact Info:
- Email: Contact@gingmanagementgroup.com
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