Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Pennington.
Hi Bob , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Bob Pennington – President Rock and Mock Productions
A lifetime of experiences helps me lead this team. It has enabled me to assist in making your event or needs meet your requirements. I have surrounded myself with leaders and knowledgeable individuals in all areas of the music industry.
For over 29 years I have been a part of the music community in many ways. From having my own Successful Mobile DJ Company, Professional Concert Photographer, National Touring Manager & working stages in sound, lighting, and production. This all prepared me for taking the lead with my own production company.
I do what I enjoy, and I enjoy supporting the live music community!
I’m retired from the United States Air Force. This developed my attitude, it’s not “We Can’t” it’s how “We Can”. The Mission comes first! This included 12 years of my career in Air Force Recruiting.
I had the opportunity to travel the world while in the Air Force. Living on Okinawa for three years, stationed in South Korea for a year, traveling to Guam, The Philippines, Mainland Japan and a few other locations I can’t mention.
My wife was with me most of this time and retired from the Air Force (We did on the same day).
A few highlights:
I received 7 Air Force Accommodation Medals and 2 Meritorious Medals.
Strips for Exceptional Performance Promotion (1% of the Air Force) to Master Sargent 1996.
Won “National Supervisor of the Year” 1997 for Air Force Recruiting.
Lead Recruiting Services “National Training Team of the Year 1998.
After the Air Force I moved into the corporate world in Human Resources. A second career that lasted 18 years. This allowed me to also plan and execute major events for a Fortune 100 Company. This was with the Golden Arches McDonalds! I started my career there in Boston, MA as a consultant. Moved to the East Division where I staffed all corporate offices, and corporate owned restaurants on the East Coast. I was also responsible for East Division Acquisitions and Mergers. I handled Metro New York for over a year (During 9/11) and moved to Kansas City in 2004 with the company. I was the Human Resource Manager in charge during Hurricane Katrina. When I left the company, I supported restaurants from North Platt Nebraska to St. Louis Missouri (189 Corporate Owned Locations).
In 2016 McDonald’s decided to sell most corporate restaurants and close many regional offices. Although I was asked to remain with the company in a transitional role, I elected to leave.
Soon after that I became a member of the Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City. Within a year I had been promoted to the Vice President. Two of the greatest things I did with the Dream Factory was organizing 5 Rocking for Dreams events which raised over $300,000 dollars for the organization. In addition, I worked with Drew Six to write a song and directed the music video for “Dreams Do” which became a national promotional video and song for all 36 Chapters of the Dream Factory across the Nation.
During this entire time, I continued to support both Local and National bands with my photography skills. Most of this was done free of charge. I was the house photographer for the Lee’s Summitt Amphitheater, Uptown Theater, and Sandstone. I have taken images of many national acts and had some of my pictures featured in magazines and on the band’s websites.
In 2023 I received a call from Dan Gasser from Elton Dan & The Rocket Band. They were going on a tour with “Live Nation” and was required to have a dedicated Tour Manager for the tour. He asked if I would be interested. Since I missed out on my own tour, I jumped at the chance. We traveled around the United States for nearly two years. My last road trip with the band was to the West Coast. We did 16 shows in 21 days and traveled over 7,000 miles by vehicle. I knew I was done at that point.
I came home, took a few weeks off and mentioned to my wife about starting my own company. She said she was waiting for me to do it! That is when I decided to start Rock and Mock Productions.
In less than three years we have grew much faster than I ever expected. We are in our own warehouse now. We offer sound and production services for large events. Video walls with Drone photography. We can record live music videos and much, much more.
However, with all this said my true love is working directly with artists to help them move to the next level.
Hope this is what you are looking for to help with your interview.
Sincerely,
Bob Pennington
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Wow great question! I like to believe that I’m a master at transitions. I have traveled the world and faced many challenges. However, the most important thing to me has always been my immediate family. That is where sometimes the road becomes a challenge.
Time balance and time management is a main focus to create a “Smoother” road. I don’t like to lose at anything. I think it’s important to instill that in others but also to learn to be humble in your efforts. I taught “Time Management Seminars” on a national basis. This is where I learned to “Practice what I would Preach”. You can’t get results if you don’t put in the work!
In addition, I have been trained (and am very good at) high pressure sales. However, I believe in putting the customer’s needs first. This is a real struggle for many.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As you saw from my opening statement, I have accomplished a lot in life. Sometimes when I have these discussions with others, they can’t believe all the things I have actually accomplished and done.
I specialize in building a team! I know I can’t be the expert in everything and need to delegate to others as needed. The word “Empowerment” comes to mind. However, the leader must lead by example. They must provide vision and lead individuals to accomplish results. They also need to be flexible and able to adjust to meet other’s needs.
When you ask folks what I’m known for what I’m most proud of is that they will talk about my integrity. My word is my bond. I think that sets me apart from a lot of folks in the entertainment or music industry. Let’s face it, this can be a dog-eat-dog world when it comes to the business.
What makes you happy?
Family first! I’ll be married to the same woman for 47 years this year. We got engaged after six days together! My son is successful businessman and has given me two beautiful granddaughters.
However, when it comes to the business side there is nothing better than hearing at end of the night how great everything was or how we exceeded their wildest expectations. Sharing that with my team even though they all knew it was not perfection in some cases. However, it shows that you can adapt and overcome.
Finally, the word “Legacy” comes to mind. I hope when my days come to an end, others have kind words and thoughts about me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rockandmockproductions.com
- Facebook: Rock and Mock Productions / Rock & Mock Photos / Live Music Promotion by Rock and Mock Photos
