Suzie Walsh

Suzie Walsh began her career in the music business at Seattle booking agency, Far West Entertainment at just 20 years old. Far West, a regional booking agency whose primary mission was selling rock and roll bands to venues throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Vancouver, B.C. At this time, there were few women in the music business. The agency provided a colorful and unique entry into the world of the music industry.

After five years with Far West Suzie was offered and accepted a position with an upcoming concert production company who was moving and shaking the Seattle market, the company was Albatross Productions. The 1st day on the job, Ken Kinnear asked her to take the keys to the company limo, gave her a list of radio stations and told her to go to the airport and pick up this piano player and his manager, and make sure they get to all of the radio stations for interviews. The piano player was Billy Joel. That was the just the beginning of what was to come.

As time went on, Suzie placed all of the electronic (radio) and print media, designed concert print ads and posters using graph paper. After a short period of time Albatross was a major force in the concert production industry in the Northwest. During this same time period Ken Kinnear the owner and President of Albatross Productions was now the Personal Manager for Seattle based rock band Heart, and with that challenge came a whole new set of rules to invent. As the company grew in size more personnel were added to manage the concert division, and personal management. Suzie moved to an administrative role as Ken Kinnear's Personal Assistant/Executive Assistant.

This was an exciting time in the music business, and her role varied every day. Typing lyrics to go on the sleeve of a album, photo shoots, daily contact with agents, attorneys, producers, record labels, and booking all of the airline and hotels worldwide for Heart's demanding tour schedule were just a few of the hats she wore. Other bands were added to the management roster, and Suzie was given opportunities to travel to Los Angeles, New York, and work back stage at some of the largest and best concerts in the Northwest.

One of her most notable accomplishments, was the conception, presentation, and securing the first endorsement deal with NIKE footwear. At the time, NIKE was a small shoe company based in Beaverton, Oregon. She had came up with an idea to have NIKE outfit Heart's band and crew in NIKE shoes for their upcoming tour. After Ken approved, Suzie flew to Oregon, presented the idea, and within a few months NIKE delivered custom tennis shoes with the Heart logo embroidered on them for the band, crew and all of the office staff. At this time, this was a new marketing concept, and where the idea of endorsing public personalities started. This was concurrently done with Adidas shoe company and a win/win for all parties.

Suzie currently resides in Great Falls, Montana and is the proud mom of Matt, Mick, and Sean Janzer, an avid Griz fan and a strong supporter of UMEM.