Ryan Gardner Profile Page on Nextcat.com

Born Ryan Michael Gardner on November 1, 1983 in Battle Creek, Michigan, Ryan was raised in the Grand Rapids area to live life carefree and by his own rules. Music, creative expression, and an entrepreneurial spirit have always been the driving force in Ryan’s many successes both in life and business. In 2005 Ryan relocated to the metro Detroit area, first to Clinton Township, and then to Shelby Township where he currently resides.

Upon living in Grand Rapids, Ryan found his way into the music industry by way of marketing and promotions. In 2003 Ryan began working on the legendary Ozzfest tour doing music promotions for a recording label called Elementree, which was owned by the members of the very popular group, Korn. So impressed with his drive and passion for the work, Ryan was introduced to Korn and was asked to join them on tour as a member of their street promotions team. Ryan flourished in a work environment in which he was able to network his creative abilities to others.

  In 2005 Ryan moved to the Detroit area in search of new possibilities in music. After years of promoting for bands, Ryan decided he wanted to take a more hands on approach in the success of up and coming musicians through management. Ryan was able to book shows, gain sponsors, promote, negotiate contracts, and create media exposure for several aspiring bands throughout Lower Michigan. Most notably, Ryan co-managed a Lansing area band called Know Lyfe.   Know Lyfe was a finalist in the 2007 Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands in Los Angeles, California, earning them a spot on Van’s Warped Tour 2008.

Besides managing talent, Ryan has used his creative networking abilities to thrive in the arena of production of musical shows. Ryan has organized and put on numerous shows in the Grand Rapids and metro Detroit areas throughout the years. In the summer of 2006 Ryan put on a five week, “Battle at the Post,” a battle of the bands at The Post Bar in Mt. Clemens, Michigan showcasing all of the area’s best up and coming talent. On June 23, 2007, Ryan took the Mt. Clemens music scene to new heights by transforming the Hayloft Bar parking lot into a massive musical Block Party. Ryan flexed his creative sense by booking over six bands, numerous corporate sponsors, including Freek Energy Drink, and implementing a skateboard vert ramp with the area’s best skateboarding talent showing off their skills while bands rocked the streets.

   Beyond just productions and management, Ryan Gardner is also an entrepreneur in the music world and beyond. In 2006, Ryan started Synch Management, an independent management and consulting firm that put together the “Battle at the Post,” as well as managed Royal Oak, Michigan’s own Below Laurome.

   In 2007 Ryan expanded his musical and artistic reach by starting Infest Entertainment, a production and promotion company that specialized in putting on and consulting on shows, finding sponsors, booking talent, and creating media buzz. Under Ryan, Infest Entertainment put on several shows all over the Detroit area including the Mt. Clemens Block Party. Ryan was able to also use Infest to expand upon another one of his other many passions, art. Infest was responsible for producing freelance artwork, logo design, murals, and art consulting for private and corporate use.

   On February 1, 2009, Ryan began to write the next chapter in his accomplished life by opening The World Bazaar Fair Trade Market, in Shelby Township, Michigan. The World Bazaar is a retail provider of home décor, organic foods, and essentials for a “Green” lifestyle. Ryan is using his “outside the box” entrepreneurial thinking with the World Bazaar by tapping into the “Green” movement sweeping the world. Ryan is passionate in educating people about the benefits of organic living and fair trade. Ryan is determined to grow The World Bazaar for long term expansion and possible franchise opportunities.

Whether it is music, art, design, writing, or in business, Ryan Gardner is driven to succeed. Ryan’s “Anything is possible,” attitude on life is the cornerstone to his future successes. Ryan hopes to further travel the world and leave his mark wherever he goes, but he is deeply passionate about his roots, and involving Michigan, and Detroit in his creative future.