Thursday, November 8, 2012

Entertainment and multi-media industry


Jordan Birnbaum entered the entertainment and multi-media industry in 2001 with an investment in Qtopia Events Inc., a startup multimedia company. Qtopia was founded with the purpose of creating a multi-media production studio within the premises of an entertainment location that was popular and profitable. The company has leased a premises on Hollywood Blvd, and opened its doors to the public in June 2002, however the results were less than satisfactory. At the end of 2002, Jordan Birnbaum chose to rise to the management challenge and relocated to Los Angeles to take over the company operations himself. Obtaining a liquor license for Qtopia in late 2004 saw a change in the company’s fortunes, at which time the premises were completely revamped. No expense was spared in creating a leading location for dance music. The facilities include a number of rooms that provide dedicated areas in which patrons can mingle, a luxurious outdoor patio, a lounge with a glass-partitioned balcony and the Front – a newly renovated front lounge. A new name – Vanguard – came with the new look. Vanguard made its debut summer 2005, and quickly became an out-and-out success.

Within a short time Vanguard was a regular choice for many high profile events and projects ranging from the first run of Rock of Ages, Hollywood premiere parties for shows including Fear Factor and The Simpsons, corporate launch events including companies such as Motorola and Lexus, and concerts. This range of events fulfilled Jordan Birnbaum’s wish to turn Vanguard into a venue with appeal for everyone, and possible for any event, whether a party, fashion show or concert. This period firmly established him as a name in the industry, in addition to being an elected official of the Hollywood United Neighborhood Council, he also served as the corresponding secretary for six years.

Prior to founding Vanguard, Jordan Birnbaum worked for Juno Online Services Inc., an Internet Service Provider, where he was promoted from his first positions as Director of Subscriber Acquisition through VP to Senior VP of Business Development, where he focused on generating revenue through innovative advertising sales. He was influential in the company’s road show prior to its initial IPO, and subsequently led it in six successive quarters in which the company beat analysts’ predictions.  Birnbaum’s early career was with the investment bank D.E. Shaw and Co. and later as a trader at D. E. Shaw Securities Int’l., London. In this position he managed a “book” of 75 issues of Japanese Equity Warrants, and later became co-manager of trading operations for the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

The future for Jordan Birnbaum is still in the entertainment industry, though with a slightly different slant. Together with Richard Belzer, of Law & Order SVU, he is working on The Secret Beatnik Party, slated for launch in October 2012. This semi-farcical political party will provide the platform for both recorded and live comedy shows, which will be augmented with online media tools, such as podcasts. The show is planned to air monthly. 

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