Old school music biz (Universal, Verve, BMG) meets new school content and comms (RightsFlow licensing + royalty startup, now Google/YouTube).
I want to thank Michael for being a forward thinking marketing wiz. He is continually up on the latest trends, especially as it pertains to interactive and online marketing and knows the ins and outs of what works and what doesn't. His knowledge, contacts, and expertise are second to none and most importantly, I trust him. His integrity speaks volumes.
As a distribution person serving dozens of individual record labels, I worked with many different types of people who wanted to gain your buy-in on their projects. It was a highly competitive environment. Michael clearly stood out as a unique, distinctive marketing & sales executive. Regardless of the project, budget, or challenge, his extraordinarily creative perspective always made his products stand out. Plus, he consistently made it truly fun to work with him and his team. This prompted people to want to concentrate on HIS artists' products and gave him an edge over his competitors. No matter how busy you were, or what level of intensity you faced, his refreshing approach made you want to give extra efforts to "get on board" quickly on his projects to achieve mutual success. Without question, he is one of the brightest, most creative executives I've ever worked with and an extraordinary marketing person.
From his work at Verve where I saw Michael implement powerful strategies for artists like Diana Krall - and worked with him on the launch of Jamie Cullum - to the launch of HiFive - which we've teamed up with for sales & distribution services, Michael is always a pleasure to work with - fun to hang with - and delivers strong results with his team - with expertise of the music marketplace and a highly efficient process for reaching success for label clients, for artists, and other partners.
A leader, team player, tastemaker, innovator, professional problem solver with eye on ROI. Most importantly Michael is a bonafide human being and friend. Michael is not only a pleasure to work with and be around but he is also a motivator that encourages growth and knowledge in our ever changing digital world. Michael is a force of good that is an asset to any team and an amazing ambassador to the team that he is representing.
Michael's a rare uber creative with a unique ability to craft and deliver an authentic storyline with real sizzle and steak. A true impact generator. His ability to adapt to change & reinvent is 2nd to none. He's created sustained successes branding products, building content strategies, and driving ROI off inspiring marcom. My favorite person to brainstorm with on the planet.
I worked with Michael during my time with Universal Music Group while he was the SR VP of sales for Verve Music Group with Universal. Michael is a highly respected professional...well organized, account ready, with an unbeatable knowledge of music. His ability to sell transcends all categories of consumer goods, and his knack for networking and building strong relationships can't be beat. Can't recommend Michael enough.
As a consultant, you are only ever as dynamic as your client allows you to be. I could not ask for a better client than Michael Kauffman.
Michael is that rare perfect combination of hands on and hands off. He allows you to create something authentic while also communicating his vision in crystal clear fashion. Once you deliver the product to his specifications, he runs with it in every imaginable way. A true communications leader who fearlessly sees the goal and takes the necessary steps to make it happen. Hope to work together many more times in the future.
I worked with Michael at the Verve Music Group and while he was head of sales. Michael blended sales and marketing with intuition and ingenuity using them as tools to get the attention of accounts and consumers to lift the company. Michael makes hard work fun and knows how to wear a suit.
Michael is a passionate and intelligent executive who always helps the team see the big picture and deliver big results. He was an early adopter and innovator in the social and e-commerce realms and is truly an executive to watch. A friend and colleague highly recommended.
Michael is a passionate, resourceful, out of the box thinker whose energy and creativity are unique in today's business environment. His one-of-a-kind enthusiasm, intelligence, and leadership/people skills are unparalleled assets in both professional and personal situations.
Michael Kauffman is a great business and marketing innovator. His ideas and campaigns have always been cutting edge and he was a leader in creating new and succesful Verve marketing plans for Barnes & Noble. Michael and I collaborated to deliver some of the highest performing sales initiatives during my years in the industry. He is intelligent, creative, proactive, charasmatic and most important--a superb dresser. I would recommend Michael to anyone looking for a leader to deliver huge results!
