Meet Corey Jenkins | Musician & Creative Problem Solver

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

Hi Corey, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I’ve not had my own business per say, though I have helped other businesses with development, branding, marketing, communications, etc. over the years on a freelance basis. I graduated from Kent State University with a major in Applied Communication Studies and a minor in Studio Art. I began my professional career in earnest at an advertising agency in Akron, Ohio called Caler&Company, Inc where I was mentored by Steve Caler (the founder of the agency) and quickly developed into a marketing/biz dev swiss army knife where I wrote copy, did graphic design work, took client meetings, came up with the strategy and helped guide the internal team and the clients.

From 2021-2023 I went to work for Better Kenmore Community Development Corporation (formerly Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance) as Marketing & Events Director. This was supremely fulfulling work for me, as I got to work with and support the local small businesses, program the Kenmore First Friday events, and it really allowed me to combine my musical life and my marketing life and give what I could to a community that meant a lot to me. This week I actually began working for Kaulig Media as Experiential Marketing Strategist. This has been a new adventure for me and I’ll be working on programming and marketing for activations at major events.

I’ve also been an active musician for over 20 years and have ran my last two musical projects very much like businesses. Five years ago I was faced with a challenge when I was in a band called Fancy Legs. We had an album to release, but really no one knew who we were at the time. I treated the band like a marketing client and ran a campaign. The Summit FM played our songs and had us on for an interview. Cleveland Scene, The Devil Strip, The Suburbanite, and the Akron Beacon Journal all covered us. We wound up with an attendance record at The Rialto Theatre that stood for years and it really opened new doors and launched new relationships for me. Now I’m in several bands, but my main vehicle is called Big Pop which I started with my friend and creative partner Jeri Sapronetti. In many ways that band is a business that I am co-president of.

One of the things I really love doing is sharing what I’ve learned about being in a band to try to help other musicians avoid some of the mistakes I made. I certainly don’t have it all figured out by any means, but I’ve learned some lessons along the way that I’m always happy to share.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

While I am an artist, I think music is really where I’ve done my best work. In terms of what I’m most proud of, I think I’m always most proud of what I am doing in the present moment. My musical life is not stagnant and whatever I am doing in the present moment is always the most evolved and interesting thing I’ve done yet in my opinion.

It’s been incredibly rewarding to perform on television, have my music played on the radio, and play at all the festivals I have played at (PorchRokr, Brite Winter, Ingenuity, Kenmore First Friday, The Summit FM 330 Day, SXSW, Bunbury). It was surreal to have Tommy Stinson text me and then open for him and then interview him. But I’m always most proud of what I’m working on in the present moment.

Professionally, it’s interesting. I did my practicum at the Akron Art Museum during my last semester at Kent State and I could not find a job for almost an entire year after I graduated. The museum kept me on working the front desk and as a Marketing Volunteer so I could continue to gain experience, but it wasn’t until Steve Caler took a chance and carved out a spot for me at Caler&Company. From there it hasn’t been too difficult to grow simply because I work hard and am thoughtful and strategic about the work I deliver so every job I’ve had since is one I’ve been offered rather than one I’ve really gone looking for.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Kenmore is really where I always want to take people because that’s where my people are. I am friends with the owners of many of the businesses. Some places there I would take people too include The Guitar Department (I designed their sign), The Rialto Theatre (I’ve done extensive marketing work for them), SRINA Tea House & Cafe, Bank Lounge, American Legion #449, Pierre’s Brooklyn Pizza & Deli.

If I were to plan a day in Kenmore for a friend we’d grab breakfast at SRINA Tea House & Cafe then go spend some time at Chestnut Ridge Park or down around Summit Lake. Lunch would have to be from Pierre’s Brooklyn Pizza & Deli or Showcase Meats. Then I think we’d do some shopping at The Guitar Department, Kenmore Komics & Games, Just A Dad From Akron, and Ethicrace. I’d want to catch dinner at Paninoteca and a show at The Rialto Theatre or Buzzbin and then head over to The Bank Lounge and American Legion #449 for a couple of nightcaps.

While I’m partial to Kenmore, Akron has a lot of gems. Every single MetroPark for starters. Stan Hywett and Hower House. I love Artisan Coffee, Toyz and Noize, and Staff Music over in Ellet. Musica, The Lockview, and Baxter’s Speakeasy are downtown staples. There is amazing Italian, Mexican, and Nepali food in North Hill.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

In my music life I have to thank The Summit FM for all of their support and the opportunities they’ve given me. Not just for putting my band on the radio and television, but for allowing me to come on the air and pick songs. They also had me interview Tommy Stinson from The Replacements/Guns N’ Roses last Sept.

There are a lot of musicians I’ve looked up to and have helped me along the way, but I really have to shoutout Chris Butler who has been an influence, bandmate, mentor, inspiration, and above all a very supportive friend who has always been willing to make time to help me out in whatever way needed. Chris was a member of Tin Huey and The Waitresses, and has always shared his experiences and made sure I don’t do anything too stupid.

I’d also have to thank Jeri Sapronetti – my bandmate and creative partner in my band Big Pop. I am the best version of my musical self when I am on stage with her.

Professionally I would like to thank Steve Caler who mentored me in the ways of marketing communications, Tina Boyes who is now Akron’s Ward 9 Council Person and gave me the opportunity to make a difference in Kenmore. I would also like to thank Mike West, my current co-creative ninja at Kaulig Media for bringing me into my current position.

Finally, I need to thank my son, my parents, and my son’s mother for all their support and enabling me to do all the cool and crazy things I get to do.

Instagram: instagram.com/big_pop_tha_band

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigpop6625