Kenneth Knapp
Muskegon,MI
Summary
Enterprising, motivated and successful Army veteran with management, sales, and marketing skills. Expert at creating, producing and implementing high technology entertainment events. Excellent organizational abilities and enjoys designing systems to facilitate goal accomplishment. Resourceful, innovative and creative while maintaining a high level of integrity. Skilled in translating concepts into practical resolutions. Ability to establish genuine rapport with individuals of all types and levels. Successful in both team-based and self-managed projects with focus and commitment. Known for meticulous attention to detail and problem solving. Talented President with excellent employee development, customer service and analytics skills coupled with more than 40 years of experience. Comfortable giving engaging presentations to clients to drive new business, expand accounts and establish brand profile. Excellent team builder and leader of initiatives.
Overview
49
49
years of professional experience
Work History
President
USA Partyworks
06.2015 - Current
- Created and launched regional party equipment rental company and casino production supplier.
- Conceptualized, pioneered and launched two indoor fun centers known as "The Blast factory", which provided year-round entertainment and private party experiences.
- Created, Produced and implemented successful mobile marketing programs. This included Meijers College Survival Tour, The annual "Kidz Fest" at the Deltaplex in Grand Rapids, The MSU Tailgate Fun Zone, The NFL Winterfest in Detroit and the National C.A.R.E Tour - Drunk Driving Simulator.
President
Eccentric Entertainment Company
02.1994 - 06.2015
- Founded business in the basement of home and built into 2.5 million dollars/yr business
- Gained a strategic position in the production of quality special events and attractions
- This embraced a diverse group of clients, which included corporations, colleges, schools, church groups and private individuals
- Successfully produced and directed more than 500 events yearly
- Company has provided dynamic entertainment for more than 2000 trade shows
- Trained, mentored and supervised a variable staff of up to 125 employees
- Directed contractors for installations, as well as talent
- Superior customer service methods and policy increased client retention
- Administered all aspects of the sales, marketing, production and creative departments
- Created and developed many unique interactive events and attractions, which utilized advanced technology simulation and cutting-edge composite video photography.
- Created, produced and implemented successful mobile marketing programs for various entities
- Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
Executive Vice President
Kramer Entertainment Agency
10.1986 - 06.1994
- Supervised and mentored 25 employees
- Acted as liaison with national talent agencies to promote A-list celebrities
- Managed and developed the careers of more than 25 regional performers
- Supported the National College Entertainment Agency with direction and marketing expertise
- This drove growth and fostered expertise, which allowed the agency to host more than 3000 annual events
- Managed all project planning and operational details for arena concerts at more than 100 college campuses
- Engineered and guided the logistics for more than 20 college entertainment tours concurrently
- This included contract negotiation with national artists, production management, security, hospitality, promotion and public relations
- Earned agency of the year award from the National Association of Campus Activities organization four consecutive years
- Oversaw corporate event department
- Created, designed and produced custom attractions at corporate events, which included Pepsi and Anheuser-Busch.
- Guided the development of innovative product offerings, driving market expansion and revenue growth.
Director
K2 Concerts, Inc.
04.1983 - 10.1989
- Directed all operations for concert promotions and entertainment productions throughout the Midwest
- Analyzed market trends, developed budgets, negotiated contracts and financing
- Created and developed advertising
- Set-up security, supervised personnel, and administered payroll
- Successfully produced and managed national entertainment shows and tours into arenas, stadiums and amphitheaters
- Negotiated profitable contracts with national talent agencies and management companies to secure annual revenue in excess of $1M.
- Drove business expansion by identifying new markets, conducting research, and developing targeted marketing campaigns.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
SP4 Communications Specialist
United states army
02.1975 - 04.1977
- Graduate with the U.S
- Signal School
- Received Pershing Professional award (gold, silver, bronze)
- Received good conduct medal
- Received letter of accommodation
- Honorable discharge
- Attached Headquarters Battalion -Pershing Nuclear Missile Group NATO Germany
- Selected Brigade Observer – Cape Canaveral, Florida Test Fire.
Education
B.S. in Business Administration - Marketing
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI05.1981
Skills
- Marketing & Sales Management
- Staff Supervision, Leadership & Mentoring
- Budget Management
- Excel, Word, QuickBooks, ACT and Corel
- Event Logistics Management
- Customer Service & Retention
- Effective Presentation Skills
- Operations Management
- Company Representation
- Profitability Optimization
- Cost Control
- Project Management
Affiliations
- IAAPA –International Amusement Parks & Attractions
- NACA – National Association of Campus Activities
- MFE – Michigan Festival & Events
- ISES – International Special Events Society
Timeline
President
USA Partyworks
06.2015 - Current
President
Eccentric Entertainment Company
02.1994 - 06.2015
Executive Vice President
Kramer Entertainment Agency
10.1986 - 06.1994
Director
K2 Concerts, Inc.
04.1983 - 10.1989
SP4 Communications Specialist
United states army
02.1975 - 04.1977
B.S. in Business Administration - Marketing
Central Michigan University
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