Robert (RJ) Pickens - Founder / producer, Vested Media

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Work Background

Safe Haven Security Services, LLC.Installation Technician

Oct. 2024Hinsdale, Illinois, United States• Perform installation of security alarm systems, including: control panels, sensors, cameras, and other related equipment • Engaging in sales consultations with customers to understand their needs and recommend appropriate security solutions • Educate customers on the proper use and functionality of their security alarm systems, ensuring they are comfortable and confident in operating the equipment • Complete all necessary paperwork, including installation reports, service tickets and inventory records, ensuring accurate and up-to-date documentation of all installations and repairs • Provide top-tier customer service and impeccable installation quality to each and every customer • Stay updated on knowledge of security alarm systems, emerging technologies, and industry standards in a fast-paced and demanding work environment for the nation’s largest authorized dealer / installation contractor of ADT Security Systems.

Vested MediaMusic and Media Mercenary

Dec. 2016 - Jul. 2024Chicago, IL - USAEvent Producer, Curator, Label Manager, Artist, Music Producer, Talent Buyer, Marketing & Promotions Consultant ● Created and operating three business startups: Vested Events (music event production), Vested Recordings (record label), and Mood Gallery (private special event custom music & ambiance curation and production) ● Produced and marketed dozens of niche music events within Chicago’s vibrant electronic dance music scene, with special one-off events happening in markets like Miami, Detroit, and more under Vested music event banner ● Produced, marketed and executed a successful series of annual boat party events, each with 400 attendees during Miami Music Week in collaboration with an assortment of well-known record labels and artists ● Released approximately 30 record releases with a total of over 85 songs under Vested Recordings record label ● Took each label music release from start to finish in a process that includes: contracting music releases between label and artists, finalizing original production mixdowns, audio mastering, release artwork designs, advance copy music promotion, release marketing campaigns, distribution of music to all online music platforms. ● Managed and mentored a roster of artists for music and content productions, and event performances ● Produced a monthly internet radio show streaming on DI.fm, now in its 12th year ● Regularly attended annual international global music summits in order to deepen and grow artist and industry relations ● Established and nurtured consulting clients’ branding efforts within their respective markets ● Marketed the consulting client’s brand / business through email, social media, advertising, and non-traditional methods ● Created and captured content for clients, including video, audio, photos and more ● Negotiated artist fees and contracted talent engagements for both internal projects and consulting projects alike

Mid City Engineering Production Manager

Oct. 2016 - Aug. 2024Chicago, Illinois, United StatesProduction Manager (automotive electronics design & manufacturing industry) ● Work autonomously to deliver results as a self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit ● Manage production team, workflows, QA protocols, and order fulfillment ● Coordinate order fulfillment, inventory, and parts supply stream across the company ● Oversee and execute the build and assembly of a large assortment of elaborate automotive electronic product kits ● Coordinate order fulfillment and shipping logistics for sales orders going to resellers and end users ● Manage relationships with product distributors, dealers, installers, and end users ● Oversee inbound and outbound sales and customer communications via telephone, email, and web shop ● Execute all aspects of communication including new client inquiries, quote generation, fielding want/need inquiries, onboarding new customers to their purchased equipment debrief, answering detailed customer questions, liaising in new product development ● Provide tech support via phone and email to both professional installation techs and end users ● Mentor employees on best practices and standards while promoting good workplace morale ● Support business development, new client procurement, and partner/vendor relationships ● Participate in industry trade shows and expos, leading product demos and engaging new customers and partners ● Possess an ability to wear multiple hats and multi-task in a job where no two workdays are the same ● Technical skills include: operating wire lead cutting/stripping machines, operating terminal crimping machines, soldering, harness building, using bench/power tools, and circuit board programming where an impeccable attention to detail is required in merging all the individual components into a deliverable product

Self Employed Marketing ProfessionalMarketing & Promotions Consultant

Apr. 2013 - Jul. 2024Greater Chicago AreaUtilized my acquired marketing & promotions skillset with a variety of clients, including long-term projects with clients including Audio Integration Services, Time Nightclub, SoundOff Silent Disco Headphones, Bender Yoga, and short-term projects with many more clients. • Forge new relationships and deepen relationships with existing clients • Establishing and nurturing the client’s branding efforts within their respective market • Marketing the brand / business through email, social media, advertising, and nontraditional methods • Creating / capturing content to visually appeal to prospects, including photos, videos, and more • Creating and executing a custom task list of marketing items specific to each individual client

Ala Carte EntertainmentMarketing and Promotions Manager

Mar. 2007 - Apr. 2013Chicago (Castle Nightclub / Vision Nightclub / Excalibur Nightclub)• Forge new relationships and deepen relationships with existing clients • Utilize progressive industry knowledge and expertise in booking events according to current music trends • Manage budgets in excess of $750K annually and generate comprehensive revenue statements • Played a key role in the club’s extensive 2013 renovation, massive technical upgrade, and rebranding effort • Organize and execute over 60 events annually, featuring high-profile music talent • Direct all levels of online marketing for music-driven nightclub events / off-premise events • Coordinate all event artwork and flyer/poster designs • Manage a promotional street team of 10-15 people • Extensive calendar scheduling and management • Hire and manage 3 full-time and 7 part-time support staff for logistics, accounting and marketing • Coordinate weekly timesheets and payroll requests for 10 employees and over 30 local independent contract employees, as well as managing staff during their shifts • Assist in producing creative copy and proof reading materials for 2 websites, 60 annual press releases, ads for 7 print publications, SMS messaging, email messaging and social networks • Manage direct mail, 10,000+ subscriber SMS database, 100,000+ subscriber email database • Execute and manage 12 weekly electronic music events, ranging in attendance from 500-1200 patrons • Perform various clerical duties: faxing, filing, telephone coverage, transcribe notes and meeting minutes

URChicago MagazineAdvertising Account Manager

Jan. 2006 - Jan. 2007Chicago• Aggressively acquire new business in the form of advertising revenue for the publication • Maintaining and servicing existing client accounts • Acting as a brand/company ambassador on client visits and company events • Proactively developing new ways in which to market and promote the publication

Castle Nightclub (Formerly Vision Nightclub)Resident DJ

Jan. 2005 - Jan. 2015Supporting artist on music event rosters featuring high-profile global touring electronic music DJ talent.

JP Morgan ChasePersonal / Business Banker, Investment Rep, Sales & Service Associate

Aug. 2004 - Dec. 2006Western & Addision Branch - Chicago• Aggressively acquire new business for my retail branch • Deepen existing client relationships through needs profiling and exceptional customer service • Managed on-site activities to increase customer interaction • Uncover new sales and cross-selling opportunities by getting to know my clients • Promoted to Personal / Business Banker & Investment Rep from Sales & Service Associate Position

PUREFutureResident DJ, Promoter, Event Host, Media Host

Oct. 2003 - Jan. 2007Chicago• Promoted global music events in Chicago’s best nightlife venues • Provided supporting musical talent for globally-touring musicians and DJs • Contributed to Chicago’s (at the time) dominant forward-thinking music event promotion team’s efforts

EYCustomer Service Coordinator

Jun. 2002 - Mar. 2004Chicago• Supported firm partners, their admins, and their respective teams in coordinating their meetings, conferences, and training seminars • Worked as part of a team to cover all aspects of corporate hospitality in EY’s multiple floor Sears Tower (Willis Tower) Chicago main office • Provided all my clients exceptional customer service