Meet Chris Shugart
Chris Shugart’s writing career began in 1977, in Los Angeles where he wrote radio ad copy for a West Coast retail record distributor. Soon after that he worked in a variety of industries in different capacities that included agency, in-house, and freelance positions. Through the early eighties, Chris pursued a career in music, writing and recording songs, while trying to put together a band to perform his material. His band the Flyboys played local gigs, but never reached that holy grail all bands seek: a recording contract.
In 1986, Chris took on the reins of entrepreneurship by starting a print and graphics shop in Burbank, California. The company provided a niche service to small businesses looking for cost effective advertising. Chris created direct mail and collateral material from concept to finished product, all produced in a full-service in-house facility. In 1993, Chris was introduced to the publishing business when he joined a small company in Monterey. In addition to directing the entire design and production line, he functioned as an editor, and contributed to the marketing and promotion of the company’s literary properties.
Chris was thrust into the world of political activism in 1996, when Al Shugart tried to run his dog Ernest for Congress. Chris was appointed Campaign Director responsible for promotion and publicity. As a result of this activity, Chris became editor and publisher of The Ernest Voice, the official newsletter of the Friends of Ernest Political Action Committee.
Between 2003 and 2005, Chris furthered his writing activities as a member of the editorial staff of the Monterey Bay Blues Festival. He wrote feature articles on appearing artists, as well as news stories on the local music scene.
In 2007 Chris continued to gravitate towards the music business. He became the Marketing Manager for Pollstar, a print and online publisher for the music concert industry. In addition to his regular duties, Chris got the opportunity to write PR copy for the music celebrity presenters for Pollstar’s annual Concert Industry Awards. In the years that followed, Chris turned to freelance work in advertising design and production. He would eventually narrow his focus on consulting services geared towards up-and-coming music talent throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.