High performing, entrepreneurial business professional with 17+ years of management and leadership in the service, live
entertainment, and hospitality industries. Extensive experience in music industry event management and launching innovative
marketing strategies across various channels. Logical analytical mind with a creative heart with exceptional communication and
project management skills. Passionate about championing folk, bluegrass, and country artists in the Midwest music scene.
LinkedIn Recommendations
“Travis stands out as a businessperson, a professional, and a great person. As a student and a business owner, on a daily basis Travis demonstrates his unbeatable work ethic, strong people skills, creative problem-solving skills, and hustle. Travis is dependable & thoughtful, flexible & creative, and with the highest integrity. He will be an asset to any organization fortunate enough to work with him.”
I’ve known Travis for nearly a decade and in that time I have found to be a smart, innovative, and patient leader. He inspires employees to work their hardest and deliver top-notch work. He’s also not afraid to roll up his sleeves, jump in, and do what needs to be done. I look forward to seeing what venture Travis does next!
“Travis and I worked together on a development project. He’s detailed, very transparent, a visionary, and thinks outside the box. Having ran his own business for years it shines through in everything he does from budgeting to management to juggling multiple projects at once. Wishing him luck in his next career! “
“I had the great pleasure of working with Travis in an entrepreneurship experience course I teach at UMKC where students act as a consultant to local small business. Of course, because of Travis’s existing experience with the Westport Saloon, he was really on top of it. Travis was very professional and polished the whole semester. He was wonderful to work with. I have no doubt he’ll be successful wherever he is!”
“As a business owner, Travis has been a superlative communicator, demonstrating a savvy use of social media to promote the Westport Saloon. In addition, he uses that platform to elevate the artists who play on its stage, making his work more than just about selling drinks. Travis’ passion for the folks who play his venue, and for the greater neighborhood which surrounds it, makes him someone who sees the bigger picture and is willing to work to achieve that vision.”
“Travis is an absolute pleasure to work with. Smart, fast moving guy who really gets it. Would be happy to work with Travis in any capacity as he’s always shown to be a quick study and an ability to learn fast on the fly. One of a kind guy, who runs a great and extremely efficient business.”
“I was initially impressed with Travis’ enthusiasm, communication skills, and professional demeanor
as he led the UMKC student group which successfully created a detailed marketing plan for my small business. Travis had innovative ideas and always provided industry-leading advice which helped me implement practices to engage more potential clients. Travis is upbeat, reliable, and dedicated to the process. In addition, because as a website manager for his own website, he provided valuable recommendations on how to drive more web traffic to my site.
I wholeheartedly recommend Travis to any opportunity he pursues. I am confident he will provide outstanding service, professionalism, and follow-through to his internal and external customers.”
The Westport Saloon
▪ Founded a successful entertainment venue and regional hub for live music and events and with a loyal customer following.
▪ Promoted and produced more than 300 live music performances annually, working with a variety of stakeholders ranging
from employees, artists, agents, public relations, press, and production teams.
▪ Implemented creative marketing strategies and partnerships to grow a popular business in a competitive market.
▪ Established procedures and controlled the day-to-day operations of the business including administrative duties, inventory
control, cash management, and service procedures.
Westport Roots Festival
▪ Established multi-stage, niche music festival in an urban environment attracting thousands of long-tail patrons to Kansas
City’s downtown area from regional, national, and international locations.
▪ Worked with business and city leaders to arrange logistics including licensing, permitting, street closures, and traffic plans.
▪ Prepared creative briefs and managed marketing deliverables including print, digital, and promotional campaigns.
▪ Acquired event sponsorships and grant funding through networking and sales methods.
Unity Gain
▪ Developed scalable business plan and investment deck for multi-location music venue, hostile, and digital media model.
▪ Secured investors and potential brand partners for expect 2022 concept launch.
▪ Worked with local real estate agent and development company on initial stages of real estate design and development.
▪ Advanced to the final round of University of Missouri system wide E-Scholars Venture Competition in Spring of 2020.
Freelance Audio and Production Engineer
▪ Traveled to event sites with assigned crew, met with onsite liaison, and set up all aspects of audio contracted production to
include stage, lighting, audio, and video components.
▪ Worked with artists and speakers to deliver high quality event production and entertainment.
▪ Struck set and stage, loaded equipment, and returned equipment to Kansas City based warehouse.
Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar
▪ Rehabilitated the operations of a high-volume entertainment venue by establishing sustainable operating procedures and
improving employee moral which increased revenues by 50%.
▪ Strengthened cash flow by introducing structured inventory processes and updated cash control systems.
▪ Boosted venue attendance through innovative digital marketing and promotional campaigns.
Freelance Web Design and Marketing Consultant
▪ Developed branding and creative briefs for new and rebrand hospitality and entertainment concepts.
▪ Designed, launched, and maintained websites and digital assets for clients.
▪ Created content schedules for organic traffic to client sales funnel.
▪ Developed operating financial pro-forma, process playbook, and employment assets for $4m, 3 venue entertainment complex.
Zen Lawn
▪ Established lawncare and landscaping business servicing residential and commercial accounts.
▪ Managed all administrative and marketing tasks necessary to bring a new company to market including registration,
licensing, insuring, website development, and digital asset development.
▪ Performed labor necessary to rehabilitate and maintain lawn care needs for a base of 50+ clients.
▪ Volunteered time, resources, and labor to assist elderly and disabled members of the community.