After college, Adam's first professional entertainment job began with the Good Music Agency/Talent Buyers Network. "Kell Houston and I had a business relationship dating back to my start in college; he is the main reason I got into the business, and one of the biggest reasons I've stuck with it."

GMA was extremely supportive to Adam throughout his three years in Seattle. "Brian Knaff, Doug Brown and Kell created something great," he reminisces. "To see who has come out of GMA is to see an impressive list of well-respected agents, including Chip Hooper, Ron Baird, Jon Dittmar and Keith Miller. As a talent buyer, I was primarily responsible for booking shows at colleges with bands like Blink 182, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Sugar Ray, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Carrot Top, James Brown and many others."

GMA also allowed Adam to pursue other industry interests, while attending to his regular responsibilities as a talent buyer. This included producing regional festivals with Craig Cooke at Pacific Rim Talent and booking comedians for Pat Wilson at Comedy West.

Eventually, Adam was ready to experience another side of the entertainment business. He began discussions with Jim Fleming about becoming an agent at Fleming, Tamulevich & Associates. "I really liked the way Jim developed artists, including Ani DiFranco, as well as how he worked with presenters," Adam says. He joined FTA in February 1999.

With contemporary artists like Great Big Sea, Ani DiFranco, Dan Bern and new signings Melissa Ferrick and Seven Nations, FTA is working with all types of rooms ranging from listening rooms like The Ark and The Birchmere, to The Joint, House of Blues, Irving Plaza, 9:30 Club, and sheds and theaters such as Wolf Trap, Carnegie Hall, The Fillmore, and Red Rocks. "The East Coast was a completely new territory for me," he says. "It has been a great experience. Last summer I took over national booking for Great Big Sea. This has allowed me to work with presenters across the country."

FTA has a diverse roster of artists, many of whom are not driven by record sales and radio play, but instead by touring and strong live performances. Adam's responsibilities include being the responsible agent for the contemporary artists and singer-songwriters Great Big Sea, Toshi Reagon, Tom Landa & The Paperboys, Lucy Kaplansky, Ellis Paul and The Nields, along with sharing responsible agent status with Jim Fleming for Seven Nations.

"Most important to me are the artists and managers with whom I work and am privileged to call clients and friends," he says. "This makes all the difference in the world."

First industry job
I started by working as a disc jockey and booking shows for fraternities at Washington State University.

Career highlights
When Great Big Sea started selling out concert halls across the country after several years of hard work. Seeing artists like Eddie From Ohio continue to grow their fan base without much help from commercial radio. Anytime I have a show sellout, whether it is in an intimate setting like The Ark or a shed like Wolf Trap's Filene Center - it doesn't matter what type of venue - I am just happy for both the artist and presenter.

Career disappointment
Anytime I have lost a business relationship with an artist, manager or presenter. When it happens, I plan on things improving by taking lessons learned from the loss to improve and strengthen existing or new relationships.

Greatest challenge
Starting out in this profession making a straight commission with no benefits or salary. Needless to say my parents were a bit concerned with my career path. Everything keeps getting better with age and experience. I haven't had any regrets.

Toughest business decision
To turn down an opportunity with a New York agency and stay in Ann Arbor. I was really conflicted and have a great deal of respect for the New York firm, especially the owner. It just made more sense on a lot of professional and personal levels to stay here.

Worst business decision
When I assume something, rather than knowing for sure. In the entertainment business, 90 percent of the time it always seems to come back and haunt you.

Best business decision to offer
Be accountable and responsible for the decisions you make and don't pass the blame to someone else.

Most memorable concert/event
The Who's 1996 "Quadrophenia" Tour. I was lucky enough to meet Pete Townsend.

Industry mentors
Kell Houston, Jim Fleming and Rick Bonde.

What people would be surprised to learn about you
For years I was planning to go to work in law enforcement with the FBI, DEA or local level, but instead decided to pursue opportunities in the music business.

Industry pet peeve
I never understood why some people in this profession think it makes a difference when you yell or badmouth someone else. I have always found it unprofessional and it never works to the guilty person’s advantage.

Adam can be reached at 734-995-9066; e-mail: adam@flemtam.com

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