GHP #28 - Talent Management in the Creator Economy with Cody & Cole Hock!

Cody and Cole Hock are co-founders of Up North Management Group.

The creator economy is booming, with creatives across various social platforms gaining popularity and business opportunities at scales we have never seen before. However, these individuals are not always equipped with the knowledge and expertise to navigate the technical landscape of monetizing a platform. This is where Up North thrives.

Up North Management Group is a leading talent management firm representing top gaming and esports creators and streamers, and professional athletes with a passion for the digital space. They have partnered with brands such as Samsung, Nesquik, LG and Oculus, while representing high profile clients like Nasher, Inkslasher, NoisyButters, among others.

We sit down with Cody and Cole to discuss their journey in talent management. They detail how they started their firm, how they help clients maximize their platforms, and common pitfalls of creators who are mismanaged. If you’re looking to learn how to take your talents to the next level, this episode is for you!

Timestamps
2:30 - Starting a Talent Management Agency
8:05 - Common pitfalls of creatives
10:25 - What makes a good Agency fit?
16:07 - How the industry can take advantage of creators
20:42 - Creating leverage as a creator
24:41 - Brand building & Partnering with Nasher
35:30 - Esports & Drake x Ninja
43:40 - Networking Skills to get your foot in the door
51:35 - Lightning Round