We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Gonzales and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When starting my business I knew I could offer my expertise in the entertainment industry and provide a safe environment to learn and build experience. With over 20 years working in this industry as an agent for models and actors, I understand that this business can be difficult to navigate and getting your foot in the door can be extremely difficult. My goal was to break down those barriers and create an agency for my talent to be seen by the right people and making this industry more accessible for those living in the Southeast region. My agency is a boutique so I keep my boards small with the intent to be very hands on and invested in each of my Talents’ development. This business is like running a marathon, it’s not a sprint and everyone’s path is unique and different. There are no guarantees and that’s a fact I don’t shy away from, however, the opportunities are there and you never know how far you will go unless you try. I”m proud KNOWN Management Group has fostered some of the best talent in the Southeast, my ability to recognize amazing talent, and for implementing a path to begin and grow in this exciting industry.

What should our readers know about your business?
Known Management Group is a boutique Talent Agency located in Southend in Charlotte at Atherton Mills. I work with talent ages 4 and up. My agency is continuously scouting for new talent however, I do keep my boards small. We book for TV/FILM/Commercial work predominantly in the Southeast market and do placements of Talent in the larger markets for both modeling and acting. When first starting KMG I wanted to work our local market but also be an extension to the bigger markets where I have worked and built strong connections for over 2 decades. Our industry is an ever changing landscape and one that I’ve kept up with and will continue to do so (especially during a global pandemic)! Our talent have worked for some exciting brands and companies such as: Puma, Nickelodeon, CW Network, Hallmark Movies, Hoover, Showtime, to name just a few. KMG will be celebrating 5 years in Charlotte this coming August!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a week with my best friend in the Charlotte area we’d definitely head to my country club, Northstone Country Club in Huntersville and hit some golf balls. One of the best golf courses here. We’d also rent a pontoon one day with the family on Lake Norman, the kids always have a blast tubing! That day would include lunch or dinner at a favorite on the lake restaurant such as Hello Sailor, North Harbor Club or Eddies. In Charlotte we’d have a fun date evening with our wives and have dinner and drinks at Poplar Tapas & wine, if we’re lucky we’d do another date night at Barrel and Fork in Cornelius. Another favorite hang out is Hunter House and Gardens in Huntersville where the adults can have adult beverages listening to live music and kids can play and make s’mores. I think that would make for a fun week!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I first started out in the industry, I was essentially right out of college and working for the biggest and arguably the best global agency in the World, IMG in New York City. I started out working the front desk before moving over to the agent side. Chris Forberg was a top producing agent there at the time and took me under his wing. He and I have been colleagues and friends for more than 20 years. His wisdom and guidance has been invaluable to me over the years. I also would like to include a shoutout to my wife who has been a true partner in life and business. The saying there’s always a strong, beautiful, intelligent and wise woman behind every successful man could not be more true for me. So to Tonya, my wife, I’m incredibly thankful for your love and support and the life we have built together.

Website: www.knownmanagementgroup.com

Instagram: known_management

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knownmanagement

Image Credits
Richard Israel Michelle Cichelli of Angel Eye Portraits

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