Doug has built a national network of entertainment industry relationships, now the cornerstone of Talent Buyers Network, and directed industry relations, advertising and direct mail campaigns for Talent Buyers Network, Good Music Agency, Inc. and Metro Studios.

Prior to 1972, he provided quarterly and annual reports, magazine articles, speeches, crisis management and community liaison support for Wells Fargo Public Relations.

Over the years, Doug has been a seminar facilitator and convention panelist for the National Indian Gaming Association, Concert Industry Consortium, Great Plains/Midwest Indian Gaming, United South & Eastern Tribes, International Entertainment Buyers Association and G2E Global Gaming Expo. He is also a monthly contributor to Indian Gaming Magazine.

Doug's areas of expertise include casino entertainment, venue representation, broker services, sales and marketing, artist/management relations, music industry consultation, strategic planning, Indian gaming, public speaking and teaching.

An active industry participant and supporter, Doug belongs to the following organizations: International Entertainment Buyers Association, International Association of Assembly Managers, International Association of Fairs and Expositions, International Society of Meeting Planners, International Special Events Society, National Indian Gaming Association, National Association of Catering Executives and Meeting Planners International.

First industry job

Bartender/janitor at Monk's Cave in Missoula, Mont., met musicians who were rehearsing while I was mopping floors in a college town rock n roll bar. That's where I got the "fever" for the business and met my partner, Brian Knaff.

Career highlight(s)

Having the opportunity to help train and develop some of the top agents in the business today, including Chip Hooper (Monterey Peninsula Artists), Ron Baird (Creative Artists Agency), John Dittmar (Pinnacle Entertainment), Keith Miller (William Morris Agency), etc, and of course helping develop the consultant team I work with today: my partner Brian Knaff, agents Kell Houston, Billy Truitt, Rick Kanfer, Ed Little and Bob, Stellar and Martha.

Being able to make recording and publishing deals for a wide variety of acts during the 80s from our Minneapolis office.

Having the good fortune to work with so many talented acts, and hard working managers, road managers, etc.

Cheering our act the Jets at the Apollo in NYC after opening act LL Cool J rocked the place and meeting Norby Walters with bodyguards trying to land the Jets backstage. People were climbing up the fire escape trying to break in while the Jets parents sat shaking in a tour bus out back, not knowing what to think.

Building a team that today buys for more casino showrooms on an outsource basis than anyone else.

Career disappointment

When the Jets left GMA for ICM in order to get TV/movies and they got neither. We had to close our national department after that.

Greatest challenge

Seeing what's next. Over 30 years we have modified our company to meet the needs of the day. We started in rock and roll, added country and r&b, moved into artist development with a recording studio complex and management company, built a "national" booking department to develop up and coming acts and now in talent buying.

Best business decision

Not to go to law school in 1972; Not to become a concert promoter in 1972; Making Brian my partner in 1973; making the transition from talent seller to talent buyer at the beginning of casino expansion.

Worst business decision

Building Metro Studios Complex in Minneapolis at the same time that Prince built Paisley Park Studios.

Best business advice you received

My dad always reminded me that "what goes up, also goes down;" from a business consultant: "the facts are friendly."

Most memorable event/experience

Standing on stage at Roskilde Festival in Copenhagen as the Rainmakers took control of and blew away 60,000 people following INXS; mid-'80s having four or five acts that we managed/booked, having their videos playing on MTV in the same month.

What your friends would be surprised to learn about you

I love being a dad to two teenagers and that almost everyday I climb and haul two yellow labs in my '76 Ford pickup to the Forest Service for a great hike.

Industry pet peeve

Agents not paying close attention to radius clauses causes so many unnecessary problems. Where is Radius Clause Software when we need it?

Doug can be reached at 651-237-1003; e-mail: dougb@tbn.net