Meet the RISE Admin Team

Randall Erno, CEO

Randad, the Chief Empathy Officer, has had a remarkable journey spanning 23 years in event and music production. As the founder of RISE, Randall fosters a unique approach by making the company a blank canvas for others to paint their vision. The joy comes from watching individuals evolve from stagehands to company leaders. Listening is Randall's secret weapon, providing an open space for diverse ideas, breaking the mold of conventional business methods. Despite being in possession of a busy mind always plotting the next steps, he values the treasure in the pursuit and acknowledges the challenge of being present in the moment. With RISE, Randall aims to scale without losing touch with empathy and purpose, maintaining a unique path.

Jacob Torrence, CTO

Our Chief Technology Officer and Data Wizard is the maestro of all things digital tech at RISE - Megabyte! Hailing from the enchanting Ann Arbor area, Megabyte has been weaving his digital spells in the industry for a total of 2 years. When he's not conjuring up digital wonders, Megabyte is a self-taught bass player, a gaming enthusiast (Diablo IV, anyone?), and a master at beating Guitar Hero songs on expert... with his feet!

Jonathan Jure, VP of Sales

Here’s Jonny, the groove maestro and master salesman with a heart as big as the bass he plays! Since Feb 2023, he's been crafting experiences, building dreams, and bringing his unique rhythm to the RISE crew. Hailing from the vibrant streets of Miami, Jonny's favorite gig, GroundUp Music Festival, still wears the crown. It's where the magic began, after all. But ask him about the industry's charm, and he'll tell you it's all about the build – the fascinating journey from an empty lot to a vibrant festival haven. Taking a mental picture and witnessing the final build with everyone in it? That's the sweet spot for Jonny.

Daryn Jacobs, Director of Marketing

Meet Daryn, also known as Danger – the mastermind behind the magic of marketing and a lover of all things lighting at RISE! With a decade of industry experience under his belt, Danger's journey began amidst the tunes of Northern Michigan bands. Volunteering for site-ops, tolls, and stage work paved the way for Danger's deep dive into the world of festivals. His love for lighting is the heartbeat of his passion. From being a concert goer to a lighting tech, Danger loves the magic behind the console, bringing shows to life and making memories unforgettable.

Lola Walker, Crew Coordinator

Lola, the dynamic onboarding and scheduling sorceress at RISE, has had a journey in the event industry that is nothing short of a roller-coaster filled with mud, thunder, and a whole lot of heart. Raised in the event world, Lola's DNA practically screams "Event Extraordinaire." Her dad, an event coordinator/promoter, had her pushing and carrying cases on weekends since she could remember. Although Lola never considered events as a career initially, fate had other plans. About two years ago, she joined RISE as a production assistant, and the rest is history. Now, the majority of our crew - new and returning - has Lola on speed dial to answer to their every need.

Travis Jakeway, Director of Finance

Travis, our Finance Director and Chief Crew Chief, has been weaving his magic in the industry for about 2 years. Hailing from the picturesque Charlevoix, Michigan, Travis dove into the event production world driven by curiosity and a desire to unravel the mysteries behind the scenes. For Travis, the beauty of the industry lies in the continuous growth and skill acquisition. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a fresh face, everyone brings a unique perspective to the table, offering different ways to tackle obstacles. So here's to Travis, the financial guru with a heart for teamwork and a knack for asking the right questions – because in the world of RISE, every detail matters, and every question brings us one step closer to perfection! 

Alan Middleman, Field Director

Meet Alan, the man of many titles at RISE – Field Director, General Manager of Operations, and Dad Extraordinaire. With nearly 18 years of industry expertise under his belt, Alan didn't just stumble into this world; he was born for it. Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, his roots run deep in the event environment. The beauty of the industry, according to Alan, lies in its ever-changing nature. Every day brings new challenges in new places, keeping things exciting and dynamic. As for locations, well, Alan has a straightforward take – everywhere sucks. But, we know he secretly loves it all.