1. ERIC S. JOHNSTON
1620 Whitehall Drive • Silver Spring, MD 20904 • (202) 591-0980 • esjnine@gmail.com
SUMMARY
Motivated and versatile team player with demonstrated success in marketing, operations, and branding within the
sports, entertainment, and wellness industries. Proven ability to work in fast-paced environments, create innovative
programs, and manage multiple projects with sound business judgment. Persuasive communicator with a
successful record of generating and closing deals, cultivating and managing key relationships, and executing large-
scale multifaceted projects and events. Professional strengths include:
• Marketing & Promotions
• Corporate Sponsorships
• Event Execution & Management
• Project Management & Operations
• Community Relations
• Promotional Campaign Development
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Marketing & Branding Consultant, Red-E Industries - Washington, DC 2009 - Present
Design and manage marketing projects and campaigns for clients in the wellness, sports, and entertainment
industries; including video-on-demand (VOD) and Pay-Per-View (PPV) comedy performances, sporting events and
live music concerts, and television shows.
• Designed and implemented a new patient referral rewards program for a chiropractic wellness practice.
• Managed the viral and print marketing/advertising for a major Pay-Per-View stand-up comedy show
through various social media outlets and entertainment websites.
• Served as a strategic consultant for the development of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Pay-Per-View events.
• In partnership with Mac World Management, constructed a new television concept starring TV and music
personality, Lil Jon.
Director, Game Ops and Strength & Conditioning, Howard University Athletics - Washington, DC 2011 - 2015
Oversaw game operations for all university athletic events and aided in the management of athletic facilities.
Developed and executed strategic marketing and promotions plans to increase student, alumni and community
participation in and financial support for intercollegiate athletics. Managed corporate sponsorship, community
relations and facilities redevelopment projects. Created and implemented team and personalized weight training
and conditioning programs for ten Division I athletic teams Developed annual strength and conditioning budget,
monitored expenses, and managed equipment purchasing. Served as a liaison to the University Events Taskforce,
the Bison Express booster organization, and the Bison Athletics Leadership Board.
• Increased athletic event attendance by 55% and corporate sponsorships by 85%
• Launched online streaming for basketball and football games
• Led the planning and procurement process for a new judo facility, varsity weight training/conditioning room,
Fieldturf football field, and Daktronics jumbotron and scoreboard
• Cultivated relationships with student athletes to promote a culture of commitment to the strength & conditioning
program, which led to 100% team participation.
• Aided in recruiting student athletes -- directly responsible for recruiting two Academic All-American Football
players, a two-time 2nd
Team All Conference LT, and the MEAC Conference All-time Career Yardage Leader
QB (presently playing his first season with the BC Lions, Canadian Football League)
Membership Sales Consultant & Manager on Duty, Sport & Health, Washington, DC 2009 -
2010
Membership Sales Consultant, Sport & Health, Gaithersburg, MD
Utilized cold calling and other inside/outside sales techniques to consistently meet monthly sales goals. Provided
an enthusiastic level of customer service to all members and prospective members and oversaw facility operations
and staff. Conducted sales tours, open-house events, and advised prospective members on membership and
wellness options. Developed corporate wellness events and managed corporate client relations.
• Achieved 147% of sales goal for 2009, top three (3) in company’s athletic division.
• Recognized with the "Presidents Club Sales Award” for 3rd
and 4th
quarter 2009, and first quarter 2010.
Consultant to the Chairman, Warner Brothers Records, Burbank, CA 2007 – 2008
Developed and facilitated national marketing campaigns for new urban music releases. Oversaw troubleshooting
and restructuring of album releases to ensure their success. Advised the Chairman on methods to improve Warner
Brothers Urban Music market share through aggressive low cost tactics. Obtained corporate sponsorships for
cross-promotions and product placement with major brands/institutions such as: Burger King, Ford/Lincoln Motors,
and the Atlanta Mayor’s Office.
• Opened lines of communication between Warner Brothers’ artists and management by establishing a
protocol for meeting project milestones.
2. • Utilized extensive music industry experience to train staff and introduced effective new artist
management, promotional, and operational strategies.
E. Johnston – page 2
VP, Marketing & Promotions, BME Recordings/WB/TVT, Atlanta, GA 2005 – 2007
Led national/local/regional/marketing campaigns including online, social, billboard, and print media. Developed
national promotional campaigns for multiple recording artists. Coordinated large-scale conferences, award shows,
VIP receptions, and other marketing events in multiple U.S. cities. Managed and performed troubleshooting for
album launches; secured corporate sponsorships; and developed new artist and producer talent, including the
recording artist Lil Jon. Served as liaison between production companies, artist management, and label distributors.
Managed marketing budgets of over $50,000 for each project, and oversaw recording and touring budgets.
• Spearheaded the release of five recording projects that generated over 2.8 million units sold.
• Conceived and managed multiple large-scale events to increase the BME brand’s market share.
General Manager, Sho’nuff Recordings/Jive/WB, Atlanta, GA 2004 -
2005
Set-up office, hired staff, and managed daily demands of a new entertainment entity. Served as label liaison to the
distributor, developed artists, managed road tour logistics, and developed marketing strategies and publicity
campaigns.
• Marketed and branded the launch of the career of top urban music producer “Jazze Pha”.
• Played an instrumental role in the recording, development, marketing, and domestic and international
touring for recording artist “Ciara’s” first, self-titled album--which sold over 3 million units.
Recording Industry Consultant, Nine Lives Productions, Atlanta, GA 2000 -
2004
Served as a consultant to multiple urban music companies in the areas of A&R, label management, marketing, and
promotions. Created tailor-made programs to develop the sound and image of new, and prospective artists.
Solicited directors and aided in video treatment creation and styling. Developed marketing, promotions and sales
strategies.
• Managed the launch of Sony Music group’s “ATL” and their first release written and produced by R. Kelly.
• Managed the launch of the group, “Jim Crow” whose album sold over 30,000 units as an
independent and aided them in acquiring major distribution through Interscope Records.
Senior Director of A&R, Elektra Records/Time Warner, Atlanta, GA 1998 -
2000
Discovered and developed new talent. Recorded new albums for national release, controlled recording budgets of
over $500,000, obtained sample clearances, and resolved publishing issues. Developed the look and style of album
art and packaging, and solicitation of video treatments, directors, and overall visual imaging. Coordinated events
with $20,000+ budgets for national recording artists, finalized contract requirements and managed vendors,
including security, catering, promotional materials, transportation, and bartending staff. Assisted in the
development of sales/marketing strategies of all artists personally signed to Elektra records.
• Acquired artists and songs for a movie soundtrack “Set It Off”, #4 on the Billboard Top 200 chart.
• Worked with the group EnVogue to acquire producers and write a #1 record “Don’t Let Go.”
CEO/Founder, Nine Lives Productions, Atlanta, GA 1995 -
2000
Created from the ground up and charted the direction of Nine Productions, an independent production and
consulting company formed under Elektra Entertainment Group. Discovered, signed, and developed new recording
artists. Oversaw the package design, manufacturing, and distribution of recorded product and created marketing,
publicity, video, and promotional campaigns to maximize sales for of a roster of five (5) acts.
• Discovered and developed two acts: “Mista”, with over 450,000 albums sold their song “Blackberry
Molasses” was a top five record on urban radio; and “K.P. and Envyi”, who had a a top three single
on urban radio, a gold single, and over 750,000 in sales.
• The success of Nine Lives resulted in an offer to serve as Senior Director of A&R for Elektra Records.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
• Assistant Coach, Montgomery County Cowboys (10-12 year old division) – American Youth Football
League
• Member, Howard University Alumni Association
• Member, Howard University Bison Express Athletic Booster Organization
