Meet Ira Sweetwine | Talent Agency Owner | Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ira Sweetwine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ira, how do you think about risk?
Without taking risks I would certainly not be where I am today. When I started my company, many trusted advisors and mentors suggested I would need at least one year’s worth of salary saved to live on while I build the company or I wouldn’t make it. Well, I did not have 2 month’s worth of salary saved let alone a whole year and all the money I raised to begin the company went right into the needs of the company, not my pockets. Nonetheless, I pushed forward, launched my company and took a huge risk! I know in life there are many risks, especially with starting your own company. I viewed my company launch as “jumping off a cliff” but then falling into a net that then bounced me back up. When you have trust and belief in yourself, nothing can stand in your way! Risks are worth taking.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was always artistic as a child and latched on to creating multiple forms of visual arts in high school. Having no desire to go to college, I set off on my journey and began selling a variety of art to survive and make what little money I could. I was then fortunate to meet a jeweler whom I apprenticed. I loved it and began producing sellable jewelry. I am also a musician and while I was creating a career in jewelry making, I honed in on my musical skills and simultaneously dove into the world of music and global travel. Fast forward several years and I found myself touring in bands across the U.S. and returning home to sell Jewelry. Though it was a fun and creative time in my life, I quickly learned that I was not earning enough money to “make it” or to reach personal financial goals. As I was touring with the band, I put my people and negotiating skills to work and began booking national tours. It did not take long for me, and others, to notice I had some type of talent in the music business side. After several years of booking countless tours across the country, the band decided to halt and I was left with decisions to make. I decided to apply to a local booking agency, where I was hired on the spot, signed some great artists and worked there for a year booking tours. Once I had the taste and experience working for an agency, I quickly realized I could start my own company and run it in a new light and in ways that resonated with my personal style. So, that is exactly what I did! Sweetwine Entertainment Group was launched January 1st, 2007. There were so many challenges early on as an entrepreneur, but in my mind I knew there was no challenge too big to conquer and that I had the power to manifest solutions and dreams. My belief is that we can accomplish anything we put our minds to, have passion for and work hard towards. There is more than one path in life and it does not have to be only what the norms of society dictates and teaches us early on. I chose to bypass formal education, forged a more difficult path yet have found successes and happiness nonetheless. As an artist, I chose to offer my creative mind and artful thinking to my company and business. I approached the day to day business as an artist more than an executive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am an avid lover of the outdoors and there is no doubt I would take my friend on a short camping tour of Colorado. There are countless. beautiful and serene places to visit and enjoy the wilderness here. Of course, there is so much to do in Denver and the surrounding cities we would have to hit some key spots! A concert at Red Rocks is a must see, especially when you can take your friend backstage at one of the worlds most famous venues! I also love good food from various cultures. I think I would have to offer a sampling of the green chili that is so readily available in our area!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My entire life I have been fortunate to have mentors, guides and advisors whether I needed them and even when I did not know I needed them. I see myself as an apprentice in life, art and business. Without every lesson that has come my way, I have no idea where I would be now. There are too many to list but the first person who comes to mind is my late Uncle, David Segel. He was someone that always encouraged me from the beginning to follow my dreams and take risks. I also owe immense gratitude to my supportive family, in particular my amazing wife, my Mother and Father and my in-laws.

Website: https://www.sweetwinegroup.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwinegroup/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sweetwine/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetwinegroup

Image Credits
Angela Kay Greyson Christian Plate