East Tennessee entrepreneur offers marketing, merchandising and more
As most enterprising entrepreneurs can attest, success doesn’t come without struggle. And yet, the best way to jumpstart any enterprise is to find a niche, one that’s untapped and ripe for exploration.
James Gilley knew that at the outset, and when he founded his company ProMotion in January 2018, he found a ready response even in the beginning. An all-inclusive entertainment organization that assist its clients with marketing, merchandising, website development, recording, social media, artist development, concert promotion, booking, consulting and all manner of creative input, it’s literally a one-stop shop for all its artists’ needs. Likewise, the company also can help a business with strategies that enable it to expand its brand visibility.
Located in a 1,700-foot space in Knoxville’s historic Market Square, ProMotion’s facility boasts a recording studio, full audio and video facilities, workstations and a conference room – all the elements needed to plan, coordinate and execute a complete marketing strategy designed to bring its clients branding, visibility and ongoing opportunities. In addition, the company is capable of staging events of every description with setup, technical support and complete execution from start to finish.
Majoring in management and marketing, Gilley graduated from Maryville College. And, like his father, he initially worked in the insurance industry after completing his studies. However, after six months, he realized that music was really his calling. While still in school, he had interned with Brian Vodinh, a music-industry executive who was well versed as a producer, singer and songwriter.
Using what he had learned, Gilley decided to set his sights on building a business that could further the efforts of aspiring artists and individuals in need of professional guidance and consultation to help them make the necessary inroads that could secure their success. A drummer himself, Gilley was sensitive to their needs and thus developed a far-ranging business plan for proactive organization with a wide range of services in artist and business development. It quickly became clear that he was filling a niche that had been lacking in East Tennessee.
“I wanted to help make people successful,” Gilley says. “We’re a full-service marketing, promotion and booking organization. We’re not a record company, and we’re different from the typical management interests. However, we strive to give our clients the tools they need so they can be successful on their own.”
ProMotion’s roster includes nearly three dozen clients who pay a fee ranging between $150 and $300 for solo performers and upwards of $300 as a band, all based on a 12-month contract. Gilley says that they don’t take any percentage from their bookings, effectively allowing the performers to make up the monies spent on marketing and promotion.
“The main difference between what we do and what a company in Nashville might offer is affordability,” Gilley insists. “We provide a wide range of services at a fraction of what they would pay in Nashville. The fact that we stack those services makes it much more feasible for an artist to get everything they need all in one place.”
Their clients clearly agree. “After the first conversation with James, I knew they were the company for me,” Roy Saunders says. “He was upfront, honest and genuine. He made everything about me and customized what I wanted from ProMotion from the get-go. It gave me a real family vibe.”
He adds that the company has provided him with website creation; an online merchandise store; Facebook content; photo shoots; live sessions; a livestream; the facility used for the recording of his “Stranger” EP; show bookings; a lyric music video; interview opportunities; and the making of his music video.
“My brand has grown exponentially after coming on board with ProMotion,” Saunders notes. “I’ve gotten a bigger social media presence, more gigs, bigger gigs and a much more professional online presence. ProMotion has taken my brand to a whole new level; ProMotion has helped me out more than they probably know.”
The company currently employs six full-time employees. Gilley, the company president, oversees the operation and negotiations with outside venders. Josh Martin is responsible for graphic design, social media and video production. Nate Wiles handles video production and graphic design. Craig Jones serves as ProMotion’s audio producer and engineer. Clay Defoor looks after video and photography. Grammy-nominated producer Matt Munsey supervises audio production, while Sam Travis oversees social media operations. Each member of the team are only too happy to share their enthusiasm for what ProMotion has been able to offer.
“We’re a company by musicians for musicians,” Wiles says. “Being musicians in the industry, we share an understanding with the folks we work with. When you work with ProMotion, you become a part of our family. We are a genuinely passionate team focused on your individual success. It’s easy to forget that companies are driven by real people, by genuine passion. What we do at ProMotion is connect your heart with your audience. We become extensions of your vision and, in most cases, your family. From creative to commercial projects, we provide everything needed to bring your visions to life in a budget-friendly package that’s flexible from short- and long-term goals that are completely in tune with your brand. ProMotion does the work while you focus on what you love to do.”
Martin concurs. “We set ourselves apart by providing a range of services under one roof,” he says. “We are also financially accessible in a way many other similar businesses can’t provide. Every success has been a team effort. I couldn’t do what I do without the other members of the team doing their jobs so well. We’re just glad to be doing something we love that people enjoy.”
Sam Travis is the newest member of the team, but his enthusiasm equals that of his compatriots. “Most of us involved with ProMotion are close friends, whether we knew each other prior or became friends after meeting through the company,” he says. “I think when you have that level of connectedness through a team like ProMotion, that attitude transfers to those who we do work for. In other words, we approach our clients as if they were our friends. When you can peel back that stigma of a business/client relationship, that leads to better connectivity and, therefore, to a better translation of what we are trying to collectively achieve. I’m happy to be a part of a team that uplifts local (and beyond) bands and music artists.”
As for the future, Gilley is looking to expand the company’s public-relations possibilities and to become further involved with event filming and to increase the audience for the livestreaming that they’ve been offering every Wednesday and Friday.
“Our goal is to help people,” Gilley says. “There are so many individuals and organizations in need of professional services and support. We’re pleased that we can be here to help them.”
