It was a somewhat longer way around for WME’s Braeden Rountree. The East Texan from Hallsville moved through Stephen F. Austin’s Music Performance program in Nacogdoches before getting his MBA at Nashville’s Belmont with an emphasis on negotiation. But after working in publishing, management and at a label, it was the William Morris mailroom where his epiphany occurred: “This is what I’m supposed to be doing with my life.” Repping Kane Brown, Granger Smith, Ryan Hurd and Marcus King Band give him some insight into how to build careers with both specificity and a long-range plan.

How has breaking artists changed in the new economy?
Although radio and PR are still very important, they aren’t the only pieces. Social media, streaming and satellite radio mean there are so many more layers. The role of each person on the artist’s team has evolved. Today, everyone must be willing to wear multiple hats and pitch in whenever necessary to achieve the goal. I’m constantly asking questions and trying to learn as much as possible about all the ways acts are breaking, so that I can advise my clients how to effectively navigate those streams. With so many ways, it’s easy to lose focus and momentum.

Best lesson learned?
Sometimes the greatest ideas come with a fresh perspective.