Alex Kochan and Jeff Skillen

Long time supporter of UMEM, Alex Kochan was joined by first time speaker Jeff Skillen on March 21st and 22nd. The weekend was a blend of student introspection along with a peek into the world of being a regional promoter.

Kochan, a Chicago native, began his career in the entertainment industry when he was nineteen years old as a janitor in a downtown nightclub. He gradually moved up to production in the club and then eventually became a booking agent; he then got into management where he took on such acts as REO Speedwagon, and toured with them throughout the country. Alex was then hired doing promotions for AEG Live where he is currently the VP of the Pacific Northwest.

Skillen, originally from Tennessee, began his career in the entertainment industry as a performing musician. Since then he has worked in several facets of the industry including owning a record label, both major and independent. He also worked with sound and helped to perfect the DTS sound found in the majority of DVD’s, as well as working for the world marketing division for Gibson guitars. Since then he has started his own business SkillSet Consulting based out of Nashville, TN.

Skillen used a different style than most speakers and challenged the students to take a look at themselves and analyze who they are and what skill sets they have to offer. Jeff stressed the importance of "Every somebody started out as a who." He also stressed to the students the concept of building a product and a brand, meaning that the students need to identify their strengths and weaknesses as well as their goals and passions in order to successfully market themselves to employers. Jeff used the elevator pitch as an example, then challenged the students to give their own "elevator pitch" in an effort to show how important it is to know your strengths and weaknesses. Skillen then addressed his three fundamental rules of business. 1. Show Up; 2. Act Interested; and 3. Don’t get caught up in the outcome.

Kochan followed Skillen's presentation with his process of decision making at AEG Live. He spoke about how important it is to be comfortable with what you are doing as well as believing in yourself because if you have no belief in yourself how can you believe in the work you are doing.

Later Skillen and Kochan assisted the students in applying these principles to the student produced Spring Thaw, an annual event encompassing a Festival on the Oval, a concert, and a Casino Night.

This year's Casino Night will be held Sunday, May 3, at The Broadway Inn and Conference Center.

The Festival on the Oval, followed by the Concert, will be Friday, May 8.