Paradigm’s Nate Ritches got his break while working concert production across the Northwest Fair and Festival circuit. Deschutes County Fair manager Ross Rogers introduced the Burns, Ore., native to Morris Higham’s Dale Morris, Clint Higham and Mike Betterton, who recognized the fire in Ritches’ belly, eventually bringing the gregarious 20-something into their company as an in-house agent. Ritches is now responsible for Old Dominion, Brandon Lay, Ryan Griffin, Shenandoah, Johnny Dailey and Walker County. An agent who hits the road, the Oregon State grad believes, “It’s that human contact that really adds the energy of what my clients do. Spending time with buyers and visiting sites and venues builds relationships between talent and the people they’ll work with throughout their careers.”

What in this rapidly changing business do you see as the biggest opportunity?
International, and what we’re starting to see in the evolving popularity of country/Americana. In countries where the only means of discovering content is by way of digital delivery of audio and/or video, we’re seeing real impact. There’s no radio, no television, no traditional means of marketing, but we’ve seen a massive port of entry for both emerging and established artists to break into new territories.

Best Lesson?
Get out and network, network, network. You never know what opportunity you’ll find being out in it. The greatest strength you can carry is in your handshake.