About the Entrepreneur
Mark Unthank, was raised in Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE. He attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA for college. While there, he gained a passion for the entertainment industry and earned a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Economics. After Emory University, he attended the Art Institute Of Atlanta, and earned dual Associate of Arts Degrees in Audio Engineering and Music Marketing.
Mark then moved to New York City to work for entertainment promotions company Butch Lewis Productions. There, he advanced to become its Director of Promotions working with James Brown, MC Hammer, Warner Bros and BET.
Next, Mark founded an artist management and production company where he managed and produced recording artists including Crystal Waters (Mercury Records), Blackgirl (RCA Records), Vanessa Evelyn (8 Ball Records) and Joya (Polydor Records). Later, he began consulting media companies including multiple record labels and radio syndicators where he created and produced album and artist profile shows working with many artists including Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, and Usher.
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Taking a leap of faith, Mark founded the rock, funk & blues record label, Exile Records. There, he negotiated national US distribution and international licenses in the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada and Japan.
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After the great recession, Mark created CoolNerd Media, Inc., ingested the IP of Exile Records and wears the title Chief CoolNerd. CoolNerd Media works with media companies, event companies and government agencies including Viacom, Live Nation Entertainment and NY State. It creates and sells audiovisual products & services.