In a world where most careers are predefined, Jordan Dempsey embodies the commitment to carving your own path. Despite countless trials, he chased his passion with fervent perseverance, pursuing every opportunity to discover the place he was meant to be. Raised in Bedford, Jordan knew from an early age his aspiration to work in entertainment; The industry that can unite the world with masterpieces of expression, where one moment can shape a life. Now working for a music company he helped build, Jordan represents a variety of talent, spreading the emotive power of song while never forgetting his roots.

Graduating from Bedford High School in 2011, Jordan began achieving at a young age. As the school was founded in 2007, Jordan took on the responsibility of Class President, maintaining this powerful position to serve his classmates for all four years, in the first class to complete all four years in Bedford. Committed to his pursuits, Jordan promptly enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin, where he worked toward a business degree and a minor in Radio/TV/Film. All the while, he used this education to pursue his goal: moving to Los Angeles, the Entertainment Capital of the World.

Upon graduating, Jordan was accepted into UTLA (The University of Texas at Los Angeles) in the summer of 2015. In this esteemed eight-week training program, designed to prepare its forty students with the networks, skills, and confidence to succeed in the entertainment industry, Jordan was hired as an unpaid Production Assistant intern on the Comedy Central show “Nathan For You”. By the end of the program, testing these creative waters had built the foundation for Jordan’s career. Yet he had no way of knowing that this critical point would be a deciding factor for the heights his career would reach.

“The program [UTLA] ended after 8 weeks, and I was kind of left at this crossroads. On paper, I had no reason to stay [in Los Angeles]. I didn’t have a job or a place to live. I didn’t know very many people, but I just went for it. The takeaway is even if you don’t have the clearest vision of where you’re headed, if you know that you’re on a path, to keep pursuing it even if you don’t know exactly where it leads.”

While any change can be difficult, Jordan was faced with both a new career and a new home during his first year out West. Nonetheless, he rose above these challenges, counting every experience as a building block toward the dream at the forefront of his mind. From driving Uber and Lyft vehicles to working local, one-day temp jobs, he kept his head high and took the initiative to call UT alumni at talent agencies until he booked his first interview. Although the timing did not align, Jordan officially introduced himself to CAA, one of the most prominent talent agencies in the area, expanding his network in the media world.

By 2016, Jordan secured his second unpaid internship, working for comedy writer Andrew Jay Cohen, who co-wrote the Seth Rogen movie Neighbors. During this time, Cohen was in post-production on the Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler movie The House, offering Jordan a window into show business and an opportunity to showcase his talent. A few months in, Cohen was so impressed by Jordan’s reputation and work ethic that he put in a good word with CAA, where Cohen was a client. Soon after, Jordan was hired in the mailroom at APA (a smaller agency), before receiving a surprise phone call from CAA: they wanted him back, one year after his first interview with the agency.

Though highly competitive, Jordan’s determination set him in a class of high standards, securing him a spot in the CAA mailroom. However, this was only the beginning of his success. Working long hours, he sorted and delivered mail to agents, stocked fridges, moved boxes, scooped ice cream, and worked at the internal coffee bar, all while wearing a full suit and tie. After four months, his dedication paid off, as he was hired as an assistant for an agent in the comedy touring department.

For the next four years, Jordan fully invested himself mentally and physically in a job that required complete commitment, amidst a constant rollercoaster of spontaneity. Working for near-minimum wage on weekdays for 10 - 12 hours a day, Jordan held the fabric of the office together, picking up the loose ends, while often facing reprimands and minimal credit for his efforts.

As with anyone who has climbed the ladder in pursuit of a job they love, it is easy to lose confidence, become beaten down, and remain static in familiar tasks. Despite this, Jordan made the most of this time for development, valuable connections, and numerous outside interviews. All the while, he hosted backyard comedy shows, booking popular rising comedians like Trevor Wallace, Becky Robinson, Chad & JT, and more. Yet, unknowingly, the greatest disturbance of his career was right around the corner: COVID-19.

Furloughed with about 400 other employees, Jordan soon found himself unemployed. But what could have been the lowest point of his career quickly became a blessing in disguise. Stepping back from the corporate world allowed Jordan the space for self-discovery, uncovering the ebb and flow of the creative process, while dedicating time to wellness. After this much-deserved reset, Jordan was hired by a startup comedy company, facilitating his own stand-up shows over Zoom. At the peak of the pandemic lockdown, he dedicated himself to spreading positivity, joy, and laughter: The foundational emotions of healing. While starting small, this was the perfect opportunity to build back his confidence, just in time for “The Great Reopening” of show business.

Although newly unemployed once again, a few months after the resurgence of in-person entertainment, Jordan was hired by Pollen, a company that organizes weekend concerts and sells hotel packages in conjunction with the tickets. Promoting themed three-night events in partnership with popular artists, including Justin Bieber and Dutch DJ Tiësto, this startup was viewed with high expectations until it unexpectedly went under, halting investor activity and employee payments. Jordan, along with other impacted workers, is still fighting a class-action lawsuit against the former $800 million valued company.

When a door closes, most people would throw in the towel. But Jordan Dempsey stands tall above the crowd. Trusting in the process and believing in his strengths empowered him to learn from the smallest instances and glean insights from passing conversations. Sometimes it’s the moments of serendipity; The chance encounters that manifest into the hidden heroes of our journey.

“When I was doing one of those unpaid internships, an assistant above me, I’m sure he wouldn’t even remember the conversation, but we went out to coffee one day, at the peak of me being totally confused about whether I was going to stay and what I was going to do. We had a two-minute conversation, where he said, ‘Man, you should stay. That’s what I did. You’ll figure it out, and you’ll be so glad you did.’ That had a huge influence on me.”

Through this perseverance, Jordan finally got the opportunity he had dreamed of in 2022. An unexpected LinkedIn DM asking him to interview with a music company, Danny Wimmer Presents. While that didn't result in an offer, it led the interviewer to recommend Jordan to a different partner company. At Day After Day Productions, he was hired on the spot and landed a coordinator role. He was finally a part of a company where his skills were truly valued, and he could help mold this startup’s framework to reach its full potential. He had made it.

Since that point, Jordan was quickly promoted from coordinator to agent in 2023, then from agent to Director of Touring in 2024. This year was an era of tremendous growth for the company, booking Missy Elliott’s first-ever headlining arena tour with Live Nation, which later won hip-hop tour of the year.

By 2025, Jordan was once again promoted from Director of Touring to Head of Touring, booking the company’s full roster on the West Coast and overseeing all other agents. He now represents a range of universal talent, being the responsible agent for The Commodores, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Morris Day and The Time, Billy Ocean, Fountains of Wayne, 98 Degrees, The Click Five, The Spinners, and Patrice Rushen.

Throughout all of this, Jordan never abandoned his passion, always finding the thrill in challenges and the upside of difficult situations. The years of hard work paid off, allowing him to spread his wings and exceed the limits of his capacity: A feat, if only his younger self could witness. Jordan encourages any youth, no matter their passion, to persevere and to never stop seeking new opportunities in pursuit of their dream.

“Sticking with it, knowing when to put your head down and keep pursuing your goal, and also knowing when you keep knocking on a door, and the door’s not opening, looking for the next door. So it’s a little perseverance and staying fluid and open to different opportunities.”

Above all, Jordan would like to express his deepest gratitude to his parents for their unwavering support, dedication, and encouragement throughout his journey.