Jonathan Todd
Jonathan Todd is an internationally recognized entertainment marketing, branding and licensing expert, as well as a personal and artistic manager for numerous Hollywood luminaries. Jonathan was executive producer on the 2010 Grammy nominated record Mick Fleetwood: Blue Again. He has produced Billboard Charting artists and albums. In 2011 The National Association of Recording Industry Professionals named Jonathan as one of America's five top "Best Marketing and Branding Professionals". Jonathan was honored with the Keynote Speech at the NAMM Convention (North American Music Marketing) the largest of it's kind in the world. His flagship client, Mick Fleetwood, is co-founder and namesake of Fleetwood Mac. During the past 14 years Jonathan has exclusively handled Mick's marketing, branding and licensing. Jonathan currently co-manages the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band and the Mick Fleetwood Island Rumours Band. Jonathan Todd was President of Sabre Entertainment, LLC, a globally recognized blended arts management, marketing, branding and licensing firm. He is also director of the music licensing firm Speed Dial Music. Jonathan Todd was president & CEO of SabreMark, Inc. During the 1980's and '90's, he personally handled or directed marketing for hundreds of firms. Jonathan has been recognized and retained by the government of the United States through The Small Business Administration, foreign governments, a Ministry of Trade & Economics, a National Ministry of Education and FDIC Insured Banks as well as by small businesses and individual entrepreneurs.
Jonathan was an NCAA ranked fencing champion during college. Some think this training accounts for his somewhat aggressive style in business negotiations, but nobody says it out loud for fear of being run through. Beginning at age eight, he trained as a classical guitarist and continued for a decade before realizing there wasn't much of a market for classical guitarists. He spent a summer studying Flamenco guitar with gypsies in Spain. As a child his favorite relative was a "magical" grandfather who taught him the fundamentals of legerdemain which remains a hobby for Jonathan to this day. Jonathan met his wife on a cruise ship and they have rarely been apart during the 20 years of their marriage, proving to him that if you find your soulmate, the rest is pretty easy.
Jason Merrell
Jason Merrell, Audio Director: After receiving an AA in Video Production from The American College in London, England and a BFA in Video Production from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Jason returned to his native Pacific Northwest as a film editor where he worked on several independent productions. His editing work eventually brought him to Los Angeles where he worked at New World Films. Switching gears, Jason joined the team at Talent Group, Inc. as an assistant and was quickly promoted to Audio Director and stayed with the crew when Wes Stevens formed Vox, Inc. where he continues to guide the Agency's competitive reads.
When not directing actors by phone, e-mail or in the booth, attending Client's films, plays and sessions or networking at Industry conventions, workshops and Soirees, Jason can most likely be found on a trendy dance floor, in a dive karaoke bar or any number of Repertory Movie theatres around town.
Tim Kessler
Tim Kessler was plucked from the sleepy port of Savannah, Georgia by Robert Downey Jr. in 1997 shortly after he graduated from college. Tim worked for Robert for the next 3 years, serving as his personal assistant and running his production company Herd of Turtles. In 2000, Tim cut his teeth as an office assistant at Industry Entertainment in Eric Kranzler's office, working with high profile actors such as Tobey McGuire and Josh Brolin. In 2003 Tim created and for eight years ran the Hosting Department at Brady, Brannon and Rich Talent Agency where he started the careers of many promising hosts including Olivia Munn. In the Fall of 2010 joined Vox, Inc. to build a new department for the agency, serving as the VP of Content Development, Hosting and Celebrity Endorsements. Under Tim's guidance the VOX Hosting department has become one of the industry's most respected hosting agencies.
When Tim is not glued to his computer at his desk booking his talent, on set visiting clients, teaching host classes or watching the hours of TV backed up on his DVR, you can find him in the sun on a beach or at a pool in South Beach.
Jeff Jones
Philosopher, poet, agent extraordinaire. Jeff might be a couple of these things. Jeff chased the dream of becoming an NBA superstar while attending the University of Puget Sound only to be lured away by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Jeff knew the agency life was for him, and more specifically voice over because of the involvement that agents can have in artist's creative process. Soon he found himself specializing in On-Air Promotions and Trailers, and found greener pastures and finally a sense of home at Vox, Inc. Enjoying the challenge of the new frontiers of media, Jeff started the first ever Motion Capture division.
Jeff attributes his negotiation skills to his mother, who was the chief negotiator for her local teachers union. She was a shark, but always remembered that her clients were people, not commodities. Jeff Growing up watching this philosophy, Jeff considers it tantamount to successful negotiation. In his spare time, Jeff can be found surfing along the PCH and wants desperately to find a way to get back into rock climbing.
Wes Stevens
Wes Stevens has advocated for talent for 17 years. He started in Columbus, Ohio at a small agency booking Ginsu Knife commercials in Tagalog and various other exotic tongues, while also marshalling elves and Sammy Davis, Jr. impersonators to gigs at malls and Shriner rallies. In 1995 Wes joined Talent Group, Inc. (TGI) in Los Angeles as an assistant. Seven years later, he acquired TGI's voice-over department and launched VOX, Inc. His first booking of note was placing David Hyde Pierce in "A Bugs Life" and the journey took him back to Pixar in 2009, placing Ed Asner in "Up". Along that road there have been many campaigns, series, films, fond memories and fun. Wes loves his staff and is excited for the ever growing future of VOX, Inc.
Wes is an Army Brat, growing up in eight States and Karlsruhe, Germany. Wes is an Eagle Scout. His alma mater is The University of Virginia. Mr. Jefferson is one of his heroes. He has completed seven marathons, raising over $60,000 for charities. He lives in West Hollywood with his two dogs, Ms. Penny Fontaine and Mr. Franc N Cents. Wes has a Shaman, a Medicine Woman, an Acupuncturist, a Feng Shui Master and various other interesting folks in his life, and a cape on the back of his office door. He has a penchant for the mystical, whimsical and jazz hands. He likes the color orange and has 38 days worth of music on his computer.
Tom Lawless
Tom Lawless graduated from Villanova University with a degree in Finance back in 1998. He started out as an assistant in the voice over department at TGI (Talent Group Inc.) in 1999. He worked his way up to an agent late in 2000 and helped start up Vox, Inc. in 2002 with owner Wes Stevens. Over the years he's help build and strengthen Vox in the areas of commercials, animation and video games. Over the last year he's expanded on the success in the video game world by starting a motion capture division at the agency with fellow agent Jeff Jones. Tom is now President of Vox, and a partner.
Tom grew up in Duxbury, MA and has lived in Los Angeles since he moved there in 1999. He has however kept his Boston sports allegiances along the way. If he's not in the office you can probably find him at his local Boston pub catching one of his teams in action (except for football where he's a Giants fan he'll explain once he gets to know you better).
Jerry Ryba
Jerry Ryba was born to be in the business. After high school in Bath Ohio, the gateway to Cleveland, Jerry headed to college, then Hollywood. After securing a bad apartment in Beverly Hills adjacent, Jerry landed his first gig at "The Agency" in 1987. He was an assistant, and then, lickety-split, an agent. The buzz spread about town and Jerry was lured away by Dolores Robinson to try his hand at management. While there he advised oodles of celebrities on their careers, and Wesley Snipes on tax laws. Constantly looking for the next challenging opportunity for himself and for his clients, he's booked theatrical talent at the Gersh Agency, AVO talent at CESD, promo talent at SBV, and now is VP of Endorsement and new Business Development at VOX.
An undying loyalty, an engaging laugh, a never-ending energy, and open ended bar tab, that's what Jerry's friends appreciate about Jerry. He's also got a nun in the family, and a priest, most-likely to cancel out his bad behavior when he checks in with St. Peter. An avid adventurer Jerry's been cross-country seven times, across the globe three times, and can secure a good meal, wherever life finds him. Bottom line, he's more than a good guy, he's an exceptional guy. Known to many as "Rybawitz" and others as "Jelly."
Puneet Layal
After graduating with a degree in Business Economics from UC Riverside, Puneet began working at Vox in August of 2009 as the assistant to Wes Stevens. Puneet is dedicated to expanding his knowledge of the Entertainment Business whenever he can. Whether it's attending a seminar or reading a book, Puneet is constantly researching and learning to develop the next innovative trend in this business.
Puneet was born and raised in Los Angeles. He is a die-hard soccer fan and can be found at almost every Los Angeles Galaxy home game. He is the proud owner of two dogs, Jack and Fiji, and enjoys taking them on mountain hikes and runs on the beach. Outside of the office, Puneet enjoys playing soccer, musical jam sessions, reading, weekend jet setting, and most of all, Bhangra.
Daniel Heiss
Daniel Heiss was born and raised in Los Angeles. He earned an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Los Angeles Valley College and a Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Production from Washington State University's Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. Before completing his degree in 2009, Daniel interned for CNN, Headline News, and Sony Pictures. Upon his graduation, Daniel worked as a creative and executive assistant to actor / comedian Tom Arnold and later as an Associate Producer for Fox Sports Net's "Kid Pitch"and a Content Producer for Showtime's "Tom Arnold: That's My Story and I'm Sticking to it".
Daniel's loves to watch, read, think, and talk about sports, and religiously follows the Los Angeles Dodgers as well as the Washington State University Cougar football and basketball teams. In the remainder of his spare time, he performs stand-up comedy, writes poetry, watches re-runs of Saturday Night Live (only the first five years with the exception of the Chris Farley years), and reads hard-boiled detective novels both old and new. Little known secret: If you give Daniel a cheeseburger, he'll do almost anything.
Ilona Europa
ILONA EUROPA is a Billboard Charting, Singer/Songwriter, Mentor, Young-Talent Developer, Agent, Coach, SONY Recording Artist, Sample Library creator. Her professional sound and scoring libraries are the industry standard. Sony tapped her for their vocal library named ILONA and for Cinescore for their film soundscapes. Ilona has her vocals and songs in Film, TV & international ads. A graduate of Poland's Academy of Music with a master's degree, Ilona is a rare combination of technical excellence, classical musicianship and practical global performance experience. She is a voting Member of the Singer/Songwriter wing of the Grammy Society - The Academy. Her music is featured in-store at Global Top Retailers including Chanel, Abercrombie and Fitch, Adidas, and Coldwater Creek. In 2011 Britain's titan Music Sales Co., commissioned Ilona to create a series on vocal, performance and electronica techniques as training DVD's. From the clubs in Europe with her Rocktronica, to her American Pop,Rock, and the soothing vocalese of her Enya-like soundscapes, ILONA EUROPA defines diversity and longevity through creative brilliance.
ILONA EUROPA's highly creative and vibrant personality blend her musical experiential base with artistry, creativity and business, fusing into different artistic centers of focus and commerce. Somewhere between an agent, a matchmaker and a white witch - ILONA EUROPA's decades of performance, training and international travel have provided her a wealth of international contacts and friendships which she uniquely has developed into the ultimate artist network.
Adam Liebross
After spending 22 years in New Jersey, Adam relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his goal of becoming an agent. This dream all started when he began watching the show, "Arli$$" and found himself "agent-ing" his mother and father at the dinner table. His first taste of the Hollywood agency life came from working part time at the Corsa Agency as an assistant. Wanting to fully realize his dream, he took a full time position at Vox where he seeks to become not just an agent, but a super agent.
When the entertainment world is not on his mind, Adam enjoys going to the movies, working out, and golfing. To wrap it all up, he brings to the table a unique mix of confidence and charm, and is always prepared for anything.
Eamon Brennan
Eamon Brennan came to our fair shores from Co. Limerick, Ireland, by way of Boca Raton, Florida when he was just a boy, and from that very moment he's been fascinated with the infinite possibilities of the human voice. His passion intensified while he studied Communication Arts at the A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, before becoming an obsession when he earned his Bachelor's of Science in Television/Radio/Film from The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. He followed his dream west as soon as the diploma hit his hands and began working as a Production Assistant on several features, television shows, and networks, constantly surrounding himself with the voices of the entertainment industry. He caught his big break in 2011 when VOX, Inc. offered him a position as Assistant to Jeff Jones.
An idea machine, Eamon's love affair with words puts him behind the pen daily, whether it's creating innovative strategies in an expanding field, or bursting through the door with a well-timed one-liner. When he's not working he can be found where the voices roar and the words flow freely, down at the end of the pub with his friends.
