Ryan Ford was always destined for a career within the music industry. At just 12 years old, the young hip-hop supporter began DJing on a local radio station in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa. The popularity of his weekly broadcast quickly earned Ryan credibility as a growing expert in the music and culture of the genre. Continuing to expand this knowledge over time, Ryan’s prowess took him from the Iowa airwaves to a critical role at one of the most influential music publications ever. He has since graduated to the position of Vice President, Creative Strategies at digital marketing authority, Cashmere Agency. His work driven by an unrivaled passion for beats and rhymes, Ryan withstands as one of the most multi-faceted talents in the business.

During his college years, Ryan flirted with another love: football. When he was accepted into the University of Kansas in 1995, it was as an offensive guard for the Jayhawks. Music, however, remained an unfulfilled calling. He eventually transferred to the University of Iowa, where hip-hop again became his primary focus. His expertise earned him a role at the university radio station as Urban Music Director. While juggling the responsibilities inherent to that title, Ryan interned for the Iowa Bystander. The historic publication holds the distinction of being the oldest black newspaper west of the Mississippi. The experience gleaned from his time at the Bystander equipped Ryan with the skills necessary to depart Iowa with a B.A. in Journalism.

Eager to continue advancing, Ryan moved to Los Angeles to pursue a master’s degree in African-American Studies at UCLA. He also held a focus area in Ethnomusicology. Upon arrival in California, Ryan quickly gained an esteemed reputation as a freelance journalist, naturally specializing in the field of music. His writing was sought by numerous high-profile publications, including the often-touted hip-hop “bible,” The Source. Upon his graduation, he was eventually hired as the magazine’s West Coast Correspondent. Ryan then determinedly climbed the masthead until finally landing the role of Executive Editor.

Ryan interviewed hundreds of artists, executives, politicians, activists and celebrities during his eight years with The Source. In addition to playing a pivotal role in the construction and content of every issue, Ryan penned numerous cover features for the publication. These included luminaries like Ice Cube, and another icon that he would soon work with in a different capacity, Snoop Dogg. His tenure at The Source meant that Ryan’s input was even sought by major television networks. He made several on-camera contributions to the E! network programs, True Hollywood Story: Snoop Dogg and True Hollywood Story: Hip-Hop Wives.

After accomplishing all that he hoped to as a music journalist, Ryan amicably parted ways with The Source. He was then recruited by the Cashmere Agency, one of the entertainment industry’s premier lifestyle marketing agencies. Ryan came aboard with lofty expectations, and ascended to the role of Vice President, Creative Strategies. In this capacity, Ryan oversees all creative and communication strategies. He is now renowned as the foremost creative mind at the company, building out many of the companies most successful programs and campaigns. He constantly works to identify and integrate the changing dynamics between brands and young consumers. In addition, Ryan has been an essential point of contact for Cashmere Agency’s growing list of clients. This formidable line-up of clients includes Captiol Records, the E! Channel, Warner Bros. Studios, Pepsi, Red Bull, Numark/Akai, EA, Def Jam, Adidas, and HBO.

One client Ryan works most closely with is his former cover story subject, hip-hop icon, Snoop Dogg. Cashmere has redefined the legendary MC as one of the most tech-savvy artists in the world today. Through the agency’s creative campaigns and consistent stream of unique digital content, Cashmere has made Snoop’s Twitter page the definitive hub for all related content. Ryan’s dedication to providing fans an interactive Snoop Dogg experience has helped take the esteemed rapper to more than five million online followers. The number continues to grow at what is an astonishing pace.

Justin Siegel is Co-Founder & CEO at MocoSpace. He is an experienced mobile entertainment executive who has successfully started and built several consumer product companies. Justin has taken MocoSpace from an idea to an industry leading, profitable business. Justin also co-founded and served as CEO at JSmart Technologies, a leader in mobile games and entertainment. Justin built the company into one of the top publishers and developers in the United States before it was acquired by the SK Group in 2004.

Nick Adler is the Strategic Brand Manager at Stampede Management, tasked with aligning high end talent with companies and brands all over the world. His talent roster contains the likes of Snoop Dogg, Far East Movement, Mystikal, YG, the Airplane Boys and a handful of emerging artists. Nick's artists have worked with companies like Adidas, Pepsi, Skullcandy, Verizon and many others. Originally from New York, Nick has been a part of the music, television and film scene since the early 2000's. Nick found his way to LA after completing his law degree in New York where he co-founded the Woodstock Film Festival, which then lead to him becoming a Producer on "Snoop Dogg's Father Hood." Nick Adler is setting the trends for branded entertainment on all levels from coast to coast.