Hurricane Productions announces the promotion of Markus Robinson to Media Director.
He assumes the lead role for video and photo projects related to Rutgers University, non-profit partners, and private events. He will co-manage media staffing and logistics with General Manager, Chelsea Rutkowski.
He will also continue to assist with corporate video for MediaCutlet (A content creation and consulting company owned by Hurricane's co-founders Strato Doumanis and Vincent Velasquez).
"I'm most excited for growth in the company, continuing relationships and also creating new ones," Robinson said.
Robinson graduated Rutgers in 2016 with a degree in Visual Arts and Digital Filmmaking.
As a student, he was a member of the University's Media Team and produced videos for all platforms.
Robinson first learned about Hurricane Productions as a student. Hurricane's former GM, Julia Crimi (Assistant Director, Major Events and Programs - Rutgers University) mentioned Hurricane's video capabilities to Robinson. At the time, Crimi was working on an initiative for Rutgers Against Hunger during the school's summer orientation program. Robinson filmed and edited a video recap of the program.
Later that year, one of Robinson's directors at the Media Team - Larry McAllister II - sent him an application for an open position at Hurricane.
Shortly after college, Robinson joined Hurricane's team at as a freelancer and increased his portfolio while working with MediaCutlet's former Media Director, Austin King (Commercial Video Editor at Raycom Media).
His promotion as Hurricane's Media Director marks his first full-time job opportunity.
"Markus elevated himself to this position with a rare combination of talent and work ethic," Velasquez said. "I'm thankful that our former employees and our partners at Rutgers recognized his potential and helped him transition from a student to a professional. Joining us full-time energizes our entire staff."
About Hurricane Productions: Hurricane Productions® is an integrated media organization and a recognized leader in DJ entertainment and event production. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content to live and online audiences. DJ entertainment, multimedia, and event production are Hurricane’s principal creative content and production activities. The company is headquartered in Red Bank, NJ.
Hurricane Productions announces the promotion of Chelsea Rutkowski to General Manager.
Chelsea's new title increases her portfolio.
She assumes the lead role for client relations and marketing. Chelsea manages 30 independent contractors and 100+ annual events.
Chelsea started at Hurricane two years ago as the company's administrative assistant. She balanced two additional jobs when she accepted her first full-time position.
Chelsea worked game day operations for the New York Jets and served at Grandma's Meatball Restaurant in Manasquan, NJ.
Her experiences accelerated the learning curve.
"Our company constantly measures performance and we continue to see our current team create new opportunities," company CEO Vincent Velasquez said. "Chelsea leads a team-based culture that surpasses goals and produces results."
Hurricane will actively seek a new hire for its admin assistant position in the coming weeks.
About Hurricane Productions: Hurricane Productions® is an integrated media organization and a recognized leader in DJ entertainment and event production. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content to live and online audiences. DJ entertainment, multimedia, and event production are Hurricane’s principal creative content and production activities. The company is headquartered in Red Bank, NJ.
Hurricane Productions prides itself on developing and rewarding homegrown talent. And Nick Nittoli's recent promotion to Director of Operations is that narrative in action.
Nick officially started the full-time position role in May 2016.
But Nick's journey at Hurricane began over six years ago as a freelance photographer after he graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ.
As he grew his photography portfolio, the company grew in step - seeing an increase in corporate and University events.
Nick sensed the shift. As a self-starter, he learned more about production. He taught himself how to shoot video. He operated photo booths. He enabled himself to fulfill as many needs as possible.
Nick developed into the ultimate utility team member.
"I invested in myself and that provided me with new opportunities within the company," Nittoli said. "If you would have told me on my first day that I'd be where I am now, I'd have thought you were crazy. The truth is, I couldn't be happier because I know the company is on the cusp of exploding into the next level and I'm just happy to be a part of that."
As Director of Ops, Nick oversees all of the company's events with a focus on staffing, equipment and internal technology.
"When you're growing a company, you have to grow your brain trust," said Hurricane's CEO Vincent Velasquez. "And there's no one that knows the event business, specifically our business, better than Nick."
Go further back than six years ago, Nick and Vincent played baseball together as classmates at St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel, NJ. Hurricane's co-founder/owner - Strato Doumanis - also graduated from SJV.
Nick is part of the company's recently developed 'front office,' which includes full-time positions held by Velasquez, Doumanis, and Administrative Assistant Chelsea Rutkowski.
