J.D. Tuminski's Top 4 Business Accomplishments from 2023!

2023 was a year of transition for me, exiting the corporate space to start & build my own marketing consulting firm, Casadei Collective Marketing Agency . What I've found is that working for yourself can be fruitful in many ways, but daunting at the same time. All challenges led to some amazing projects, gigs, and collaborations over the past year that opened my eyes up to other industries and skillsets. I'll share a few of my most memorable moments below. In no particular order:

1) Establishing Casadei Collective - At the end of 2022 into 2023 I interviewed with everyone from Apple to Disney to SoundCloud, gaming companies to podcast networks and sports franchises. At the same time, I was being approached be individuals and organizations to do marketing & social media consultant work.

At a certain point, I had to ask myself whether I wanted to chase another corporate role or work for myself: I bet on myself.

You would think I would say establishing my own company in a sea of independent marketing agencies has been tough, but the reality is my reputation and my network has lifted me into a place where I have been able to pick and choose clients throughout the past year. I recognize how fortunate I am, but I'm also self aware that 15 years of forward-thinking, hard work has gotten me to this point.

Perhaps in 2024 a corporate gig will catch my eye and allow me to continue on my path, but for now I am continuing to build.

2) 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Campaign w/ Universal Music Group - Partnering with brilliant marketer Justin Dreyfuss and his company December 32nd , we took on the behemoth of a task planning out how UMG would represent themselves in 2023 with the official 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop.

Working with the superb minds at the corporate center, led by CMO Alexandra Hinkle as well as Eric Alexander, Zac Borman and Carrie White, we were able to put together some amazing collaborations, including an original series with Instagram account @ART, a magazine cover, playlisting, CRM, and e-commerce plans, as well as capping everything off with an IRL company concert in Brooklyn (Among other things). UMG's corporate representation was by far the strongest out of all 3 majors (sorry Sony, WMG).

3) Clemson Pilot Program with F (Company to be unveiled soon) - While I still can't publicly talk about what that big "F" role is on my LinkedIn profile, a few fortunate students from Clemson University were able to get a sneak peek at what's to come.

Education is something I'm particularly passionate about, so I was pleased to be able to team up with the school to do this collaborative project.

Some basics: A specific Clemson class had beta access to an app I'm working on and they had a chance to test it early to provide feedback. They came up with unique marketing plans, social plans, and brand opportunities as part of their class project.

4) Exponential Network & Skillset Growth - Working alongside companies like Be-Hookd, Xposure Music, and a handful of others has allowed me to expand my network at a rapid pace. I've worked across all three majors at the same time, worked on indie artists, have been exposed to management teams I would have never touched previously, and have transcended various industries.

In addition, I've touched industries and skillsets I've never had an opportunity to develop in the past due to the nature of my former corporate roles. I've now officially worked in tech, podcasting, and with startups. I've added Business Development, AI learning, partnerships, and so much more to my resume.

Not necessarily a 2023 accomplishment as much as a preview of what's to come in 2024, I've been diligently planning expansion. In 2024, expect a separate creative agency to come alive (see below for a preview of the branding), 1-2 podcasts, a newsletter, and an influx of content. I plan on figuring out more ways to work with friends, former colleagues, and like-minded individuals. It's all planned. Execution is forthcoming. See you there.