Vashon Island Partners

What Vashon Island Partners does

Vashon Island Partners (VIP) is a privately-held entertainment marketing consultancy founded in 2005 by concert-promotion veteran Pam Moore and former Rolling Stone publisher Terry Hummel, headquartered on Vashon Island, Washington. The firm brokers strategic partnerships between major recording artists and corporate brands across sponsorship, endorsement, music licensing, brand licensing, and live-event production, serving two primary client groups: artists seeking diversified brand and licensing income streams, and corporate brands seeking association with entertainment properties to drive measurable ROI. Flagship engagements have included all four Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festivals (2004, 2007, 2010, 2013), the equity-based Carlos Santana / Casa Noble Tequila deal, the P. Diddy / Diageo (Crown Royal and Ciroc) program, and T-Mobile's Fender-licensed limited-edition phone.

The company's core product is bespoke deal-making and event conceptualization rather than any proprietary technology platform; VIP does not disclose software products, APIs, patents, or a technology stack beyond standard website and email operations. Its principal proprietary commercial assets are the Cover Stories LLC / Rolling Stone Authentic brand-licensing program (held via Terry Hummel) and the recurring Crossroads Guitar Festival production franchise, alongside a documented case-study library that includes a 70% regional sales lift for Freschetta, a 6:1 ROI for Crown Royal's Comedy Soul Fest, and 63 million media impressions for Crossroads 2004.

VIP makes money through professional-services fees from brokering and managing sponsorships, endorsements, and event productions, supplemented by royalties from the Rolling Stone Authentic licensing program. Pricing is custom and quote-based, with no publicly disclosed rate cards. Distribution is exclusively direct: all engagements are managed through the two founding partners and a small support team (including Jerri Theil), with no resellers, self-service channels, or platform layer. The firm is entirely founder-owned, with no external investors, no venture or private equity backing, no disclosed revenue, and operations confined to North America.

Name

Vashon Island Partners

Legal name

Vashon Island Partners

Website

https://vashonislandpartners.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Vashon Island Partners is a founder-owned entertainment marketing consultancy that brokers sponsorships, endorsements, and licensing deals between major recording artists and corporate brands while producing live events such as Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festivals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Entertainment Marketing Services

NAICS

Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Other Public Figures (7114)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Brand Partnerships & Endorsement Agencies (MPAIAGAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Full-Service Artist Management (MPAIAGAA), Tour & Artist Management Services (HSACAHAN), Contracting, Licensing & Rights Management (Music/Performance Releases) (HSACAHAM)

Keywords

• Entertainment marketing services
• Sponsorship brokering
• Artist endorsement deals
• Event production management
• Music licensing representation

Headquarters

HQ city

Vashon

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Professional Services - Sponsorship & Endorsement Brokering: Fees for brokering and managing sponsorship and endorsement deals between recording artists and corporate brands. Services include strategy, deal negotiation, program development, activation, and execution of branded entertainment initiatives.
2. Event Production & Management: Fees for conceptualizing, creating, and managing entertainment events including concerts, festivals, and branded experiential activations.
3. Licensing & Royalty Representation: Representation of artists for music licensing deals and branded merchandise licensing (e.g., Rolling Stone Authentic brand products). VIP handles negotiations for music usage in advertising campaigns.
4. Artist Endorsement Representation: Exclusive sponsorship representation for artists, including Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival and personal endorsement deals.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Vashon Island Partners is a multi-faceted entertainment marketing company focusing on music, comedy, and entertainment projects including sponsorship, endorsement, and production. The firm provides comprehensive services from concept to completion, including competitive and trend analysis, strategic evaluation of music aligned with brand objectives, program development and ideation, asset and event creation, program activation and execution, and full production capabilities. VIP brokers partnerships between major recording artists and corporate brands, manages endorsement representation, negotiates music licensing deals, and produces live event/festival activations.

Product overview

Vashon Island Partners operates as a multi-faceted entertainment marketing consultancy offering sponsorship, endorsement and production services for music, comedy and entertainment projects. The company provides comprehensive services from concept to completion including competitive analysis, strategic evaluation, program development, asset and event creation, and full production capabilities. Their offering is structured as a unified consultancy service rather than a software product platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Entertainment Marketing Services A multi-faceted entertainment marketing service focusing on music, comedy, and entertainment projects including sponsorship, endorsement, and production. Services include competitive and trend analysis, strategic evaluation aligned with brand objectives, program development and ideation, asset and event creation, and program activation and execution, with full production capabilities. Designed for major recording artists seeking brand partnerships and corporate brands seeking entertainment-based marketing campaigns.

Quantifiable outcome

• 70% increase in regional product sales for Freschetta Pizza
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and flagship.

• ChasecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2013Title sponsor for Crossroads Guitar Festival 2013 at Madison Square Garden, NYC. Included substantial hospitality, experiential opportunities, pre/post concert corporate events, acoustic performances, and artist meet and greets.
• Gibson Guitar CorporationsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2013Sponsor partner for Crossroads Guitar Festival 2013 at Madison Square Garden, contributing to experiential program.
• Ernie BallsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2013Sponsor partner for multiple Crossroads Festivals. VIP also created online promotion with opportunity for young artist to 'Play Crossroads' in conjunction with Ernie Ball.
• Rock and Roll Hall of FamesupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2013Sponsor and experiential partner for Crossroads Guitar Festival 2013 at Madison Square Garden.
• Experience Music Project (EMP)supportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2013Sponsor and experiential partner for Crossroads Guitar Festival 2013 at Madison Square Garden.
• Carlos SantanaflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Exclusive endorsement representation for Carlos Santana's first-ever spirits category product endorsement. VIP identified Casa Noble Tequila, facilitated equity-based relationship where Santana serves as exclusive brand endorser and owns meaningful share of Casa Noble brand.
• Casa Noble Tequila (Tequila Ventures LLC / Infinium Spirits)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Premium tequila brand identified as ideal partner for Carlos Santana endorsement. Multi-award winning brand dating to 1776 in Jalisco, Mexico. VIP joined Casa Noble's owners in making formal presentation to Santana in Las Vegas, resulting in equity-based relationship.
• Sheryl CrowcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Headliner for Freschetta 'On the Rocks Festival' at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, CO. Event created as turnkey platform for Freschetta products with national sweepstakes overlay.
• Schwan's Global Consumer BrandscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011VIP created 'Freschetta On the Rocks Festival' concert event for Freschetta Pizza brand. Resulted in 70% increase in regional product sales. Also leveraged promotion across global hospitality event and internal incentive program with massive consumer rollout on 5M+ packages.
• Robert Mondavi WinerysupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2011Co-branding partnership with Mondavi in 200 liquor stores for regional POP displays supporting Freschetta On the Rocks Festival promotion.
• T-MobilecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2010Initially secured Eric Clapton product endorsement deal for T-Mobile's limited edition Fender phone campaign. Grew relationship to title sponsor of Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010. VIP orchestrated first guitar-inspired mobile phone by licensing Fender brand.
• Fender Musical Instruments Corp.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2010Licensing partner for T-Mobile myTouch limited edition phone. VIP negotiated licensing and rights deal incorporating Fender's classic Stratocaster sunburst wood design and guitar case packaging into mobile device.
• American ExpresscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2010Associate-level sponsor for Crossroads 2010. VIP created customized VIP experience including Artist & Sponsor Welcome Reception at Chicago House of Blues with gourmet chef, merchandise packaging, and elaborate on-site hospitality tent.
• Rolling Stone MagazineflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010Terry Hummel co-founded Cover Stories LLC holding exclusive worldwide licensing rights for Rolling Stone Authentic brand - official Rolling Stone covers as fine art prints and posters. Distributed online and in Wal-Mart, achieving top selling poster status 2008.
• Hard Rock CaféscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2009Created 'Off the Record' music lyric-based greeting cards for Hard Rock Cafés, which won 'Best New Product' in greeting card category at 2009 National Stationery Show.
• SamsungsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2009Secured sponsorship for Samsung Memoir Presents Rock Prophecies documentary film festival tour. Film went on to PBS broadcast and significant success on Netflix as indie film.
• Wal-MartcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2008Major retail distribution partner for Rolling Stone Authentic branded products (posters, limited edition prints, calendars). Products achieved top selling status in poster category at Wal-Mart 2008 with ongoing business for 5+ years.
• MSN (Microsoft)supportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2007Event sponsorship and streaming partner for Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007 at Chicago's Toyota Park.
• Linkin ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007Event concept and asset creation for Projekt Revolution festival. Secured 4 sponsors in two weeks that financed the festival, which became most popular summertime touring festival.
• P. Diddy / Bad Boy RecordscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007Paired P. Diddy with Crown Royal/Diageo brand under creative broadcast initiative by Walter Latham (Kings of Comedy). This pairing resulted in successful broadcast and DVD sales, ultimately leading to P. Diddy/Ciroc partnership.
• Crown Royal (Diageo)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007Facilitated partnership between Diageo and Latham Entertainment resulting in Crown Royal Comedy Soul Fest with strong 6:1 ROI. Grew into 3-year program with multiple Diageo brands across tours and events.
• Latham Entertainment (Kings of Comedy)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007Produced Crown Royal Comedy Soul Fest partnership. Comedy events resulted in successful broadcast and DVD sales. VIP facilitated Diageo relationship that led to ongoing multi-year program.
• Ciroc Vodka (Diageo)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007P. Diddy/Crown Royal Comedy Soul Fest partnership ultimately led to the mega-success partnership of P. Diddy and Ciroc Vodka, another Diageo property.
• MasterCardcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2007Consulted and executed MasterCard's Music Intern initiative supporting 'Priceless' advertising campaign. Included Lollapalooza Festival experience for winners, rated as one of top Priceless Edge programs.
• Eric ClaptonflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2004Over 10-year exclusive partnership managing all aspects of Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festivals (2004, 2007, 2010, 2013). VIP handles event development, sponsorship, streaming rights, endorsements, promotions, and activations. All profits benefit The Crossroads Centre in Antigua, a treatment facility founded by Clapton.
• Guitar CentercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2004Title sponsor and Village creator for multiple Crossroads Guitar Festivals. Guitar Center Village featured exhibits, clinics, and master classes by top guitarists, creating interactive brand experiences at festival.
• SBC (AT&T)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2004Initial title sponsor for Crossroads Guitar Festival 2004. VIP secured marketing, sponsorship, streaming and audio simulcast partnerships. SBC relationship extended to lucrative multiple-song licensing deal including use in Super Bowl commercial.
• YahoocoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2004Streaming and simulcast partner for Crossroads Guitar Festival 2004 live event, launching awareness around fundraising aspects.
• Sirius Satellite RadiosupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2004Audio simulcast partner for Crossroads Guitar Festival 2004, expanding event reach through satellite radio broadcast.
• PBScoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2004Broadcast partner for Crossroads Guitar Festival 2004. National PBS broadcast premiere December 1, 2004, continuing as national fundraising program. Also broadcast Crossroads 2010 in May/June 2011.
• Warner BrotherscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2004DVD distribution partner for Crossroads Guitar Festival 2004. Release November 9, 2004 achieved 9 times platinum sales status, becoming one of the most successful DVD releases in Warner Brothers history.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Roc Nation: Full-service entertainment company with artist management, recorded music, and brand partnerships division. Closely comparable to VIP's music-centric endorsement and sponsorship focus.
• Primary Wave Music Publishing: Music-focused talent management, publishing, and brand partnership firm. Directly comparable to VIP's full-service artist representation with brand-deal capabilities.
• Brillstein Entertainment Partners: Talent management and entertainment brand partnership firm. Comparable to VIP in representing artists across endorsements, licensing, and corporate dealmaking.
• United Talent Agency (UTA): Major talent agency with strong music and brand partnership practice. Directly comparable to VIP in brokering artist endorsement and sponsorship deals for premium brands.
• WME (William Morris Endeavor): Global talent agency representing musicians, entertainers, and brands for endorsements, sponsorships, and live-event deals. Most directly comparable scaled player to VIP's artist-brand partnership model.
• Platinum Rye Entertainment: Music-focused marketing and artist-brand partnership firm that brokers endorsements, sponsorships, and live-event deals. Closely comparable boutique competitor to VIP.

Broad incumbents

• Octagon: Global sports and entertainment marketing agency. Notably, Pam Moore previously launched Octagon's Music Division, making it a directly relevant prior-employer peer in the artist-sponsorship space.
• Creative Artists Agency (CAA): Largest diversified talent and sports agency with a dedicated endorsements and brand partnerships division. Competes with VIP for major artist endorsement mandates and corporate sponsorships.
• Wasserman: Large sports, music, and entertainment marketing agency with talent representation and brand consulting. Comparable to VIP as a scaled artist-brand partnership intermediary.

Emerging players

• Range Media Partners: Modern full-service talent management and brand partnership firm. Comparable to VIP's boutique approach but with a younger client roster and broader capability stack.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vashon-island-partners

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vashon Island Partners