Meet Jon Packwood | Artist Manager & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Jon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business, Arctic, stemmed from a combination of passion and practicality. From a young age, I’ve been driven to figure out how to monetize the things I love doing. Music has always been central to my life, and over the years, I saw firsthand the challenges that artists face in the industry. I realized there was a gap in how artists were being supported on the business side of things. They’re often overwhelmed by the management aspect and can lose focus on their craft.

That realization was the spark that led me to create Arctic. I wanted to provide a solution that takes the stress off artists so they can focus on what they do best: making great music. For me, it was about finding a way to blend my love for music with my entrepreneurial mindset, and it all came down to building a business that helps people navigate an industry that can be tough to break into.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey into music management is rooted in my time as a DJ, where I had the privilege of playing many phenomenal shows with big acts. I loved being on stage, but over time, I realized that I wanted to make a larger impact behind the scenes. I knew that transitioning fully into music management would be a risk, but it was a calculated one. I had seen firsthand the challenges artists face, and I knew that my experience in the industry could help them navigate those complexities. Taking that leap was pivotal for me, and I haven’t looked back since.

At Arctic, what sets us apart is our genuine care for the artists we work with. We’re not just another management company—we’re a dedicated team that believes in removing the stress from the business side of things so artists can focus on their craft. I’ve experienced the industry from both sides, and that gives me a unique perspective. Our approach is hands-on and personal. Every artist we work with has a distinct voice, and we’re committed to helping them reach their full potential, both in the studio and on stage.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the way Arctic has grown and the opportunities we’ve created for our artists. Whether it’s landing them a major gig or helping them build their brand, every milestone feels like a victory for the entire team. It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come, and I’m energized by the potential that lies ahead.

But the journey hasn’t been easy. There have been plenty of challenges along the way—balancing my own growth as an entrepreneur while ensuring my artists are always set up for success. I’ve learned that resilience is key. When things don’t go as planned, you have to adapt, pivot, and keep pushing forward. It’s also about surrounding yourself with the right people and staying committed to your vision, even when the road gets tough.

What I want the world to know about Arctic and my story is that we’re here to make a real difference. We’re not just managing artists; we’re building careers and shaping futures. We believe that every artist deserves the opportunity to succeed, and we’re dedicated to giving them the tools and support they need to do so. The story of Arctic is one of passion, perseverance, and the drive to help others achieve their dreams, just like I’ve worked to achieve mine.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d definitely take them to a show at Larimer Lounge—one of my favorite spots in Denver for catching great live music. We’d also spend some time hanging out in Shady Jones’ studio, where we could dive into some creative energy and get an insider’s look at the music scene. For a change of pace, we’d take a day trip to the mountains. Nederland is one of my favorite spots, and the drive up Boulder Canyon is absolutely phenomenal—it’s one of those experiences that really shows off the natural beauty of Colorado. It’s the perfect mix of music, creativity, and nature

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been fortunate to have incredible people around me throughout my journey, and I definitely owe a lot of my success to their support. I want to recognize my mentor in the real estate space, who not only guided me in that industry but also taught me essential business principles that I’ve applied across all my ventures. His mentorship helped me think strategically, and I’ve carried those lessons with me into music management.

Another shoutout goes to the artists I work with—without their talent and trust in me, Arctic wouldn’t be where it is today. They inspire me to keep pushing the business forward, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with such driven and creative people.

Website: https://arcticmgmt.com

Instagram: @arcticmgmt

Image Credits
Will Robinson
Sadie Schwarz
Patrik Essy