Podcast Summary: On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer – "Putting in the Work with Simon and Chief"

Episode Information:

• Title: Putting in the Work with Simon and Chief
• Release Date: July 10, 2025
• Host: Troy Vollhoffer
• Guests: Simon Tickman and Chief Zaruk
• Podcast: On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer

Introduction

In this episode of "On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer," host Troy Vollhoffer delves deep into the intricacies of the music industry by interviewing Simon Tickman and Chief Zaruk, the dynamic duo behind CORE Entertainment Management. The conversation offers listeners an exclusive look into the genesis of CORE Entertainment, their strategic maneuvers in managing top-tier country artists, and the evolving landscape of the music business in Nashville and beyond.

Founding CORE Entertainment

Troy Volhofer: [00:55]
"Today's episode is a special peek behind the curtain as we are joined by two stars behind the stars, Chief Zaruk and Simon Tickman."

Simon Tickman: [01:55]
"We met in 2018, I believe maybe 2018, 2019. And we actually had and still have the same lawyer. And he was telling me, you need to meet Chief...we have, I don't know, 27 employees and 17 artists and a management company and a label."

Chief Zaruk: [15:24]
"We started the company together called Big Loud Mountain at the Time and we put in $20,000 each...and that's how CORE was born."

Simon and Chief recount their meeting facilitated by a mutual lawyer around 2018-2019. Both brought distinct expertise—Simon with an entrepreneurial background and Chief with deep roots in the entertainment and operations side. Their complementary skills laid a robust foundation for CORE Entertainment, which has since grown to manage a diverse roster of artists and expand into various facets of the music industry, including a record label.

Building a Synergistic Partnership

Simon Tickman: [04:03]
"We don't agree on everything. We challenge each other...our artists and our employer employees really feel that we're always united at the top and it goes all the way down."

Simon emphasizes the importance of their differing viewpoints, which fosters a dynamic and balanced partnership. This synergy ensures that CORE Entertainment remains adaptable and responsive to the ever-changing demands of the music industry.

Chief Zaruk: [08:55]
"It really started back in high school. I was such a music fan...I love the live side. I love being on the road, I love traveling..."

Chief shares his passion for the live music scene, tracing his journey from a high school music enthusiast to a seasoned tour manager. His hands-on experience in live sound and tour management complements Simon's business acumen, creating a well-rounded management team.

Diving Into the Music Industry: From Tour Management to Artist Development

Chief Zaruk: [07:10]
"That first tour was supposed to be 14 weeks and ended up being 14 months."

Chief narrates his early days managing Nickelback, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the music industry. This decade-long experience honed his skills in both the creative and business aspects of music, ultimately steering him towards artist management.

Simon Tickman: [15:03]
"Chief was stuck in Vancouver. I'm in Los Angeles and we are just every morning we jump on a FaceTime...start our one-day takeover."

Simon recounts the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated remote collaboration between him in Los Angeles and Chief in Vancouver. Their unwavering commitment during these trying times solidified their partnership and set the stage for CORE Entertainment's growth.

Breakthrough with Bailey Zimmerman and Nate Smith

Chief Zaruk: [24:02]
"We took him to breakfast and we spent the whole day with him...Nate started really taking off."

The duo discusses their pivotal roles in the careers of Bailey Zimmerman and Nate Smith. Bailey's meteoric rise, characterized by sold-out shows and a strong social media presence, exemplifies CORE's effective artist development strategies. Similarly, Nate Smith's collaboration with industry heavyweights like Jason Aldean showcases CORE's ability to place their artists on high-profile stages, significantly boosting their visibility and fanbase.

Simon Tickman: [25:57]
"For us, it was a real like, okay, we're here to stay. It just felt really big at the time."

Simon's recounting of securing a publishing deal for Nate Smith underscores CORE's strategic approach to artist management—identifying talent, securing essential deals, and fostering growth even in the face of adversity.

Josh Ross: Perseverance and Success

Chief Zaruk: [35:44]
"Josh is one of those kids where he doesn't take no for an answer."

Chief shares the inspiring journey of Josh Ross, highlighting his relentless pursuit of a music career despite numerous rejections. Through unwavering support and strategic management, Josh has risen to prominence, achieving significant milestones such as hitting the top five on country radio and securing a potential number one hit.

Simon Tickman: [38:39]
"Josh is one of those guys where you really cheer them on...he's one of the hardest working guys I've ever seen."

Simon's admiration for Josh's work ethic and dedication emphasizes CORE's commitment to nurturing talent that not only possesses musical prowess but also the resilience to thrive in a competitive industry.

Strategic Collaborations and Expanding Influence

Troy Volhofer: [39:43]
"It was about a year ago that you put him in front of Nickelback...so we just want to keep growing."

Troy highlights CORE's strategic collaboration with established artists like Nickelback, enabling emerging artists like Josh Ross to tap into broader fan bases. This symbiotic relationship benefits both established and new artists by bridging genres and expanding audiences.

Simon Tickman: [40:10]
"Why not dip your toe into a genre that's like, you know, expanding like crazy, that you already...they didn't really care who was their first of three."

Simon discusses the mutual benefits of integrating rock giants like Nickelback into country music tours, enhancing visibility for both bands and creating unique concert experiences that blend different musical styles.

Future Plans and Ongoing Commitments

Chief Zaruk: [41:43]
"Our summers...we have a record label now too. So we are, we're trying to build a record label. We got the management side, we've got a publishing side, and that's CORE Rock Records."

Looking ahead, Chief outlines CORE Entertainment's expansion into building a record label, diversifying their operations beyond management into publishing and record production. This strategic move aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem that supports artists at every stage of their careers.

Simon Tickman: [42:22]
"Balancing how much we can be in the office versus how much are we on the road...we're blessed to be able to do that."

Simon touches upon the operational challenges of balancing office work with extensive touring schedules. Despite the demanding nature of their roles, both Simon and Chief remain dedicated to maintaining a strong presence both remotely and on the road to support their diverse roster of artists.

Closing Remarks and Future Highlights

Troy Volhofer: [43:10]
"Everyone knows...Love you back. Have a great day. Safe travels out there and I hope to see you down the road."

As the episode draws to a close, Troy expresses his gratitude towards Simon and Chief, emphasizing the personal and professional bonds that underpin CORE Entertainment's success. The camaraderie and mutual respect between the host and guests highlight the importance of strong relationships in the music industry's collaborative environment.

Bring the Thunder Segment: Bailey Zimmerman

The episode concludes with a spotlight on Bailey Zimmerman, celebrating his upcoming album "Different Night, Same Rodeo," set to release on August 8th. This segment reinforces CORE Entertainment's commitment to promoting their artists and keeping listeners informed about the latest developments in the country music scene.

Key Takeaways and Insights

1. Synergistic Partnerships: Simon Tickman and Chief Zaruk's complementary skills and mutual respect form the backbone of CORE Entertainment's success. Their ability to challenge and support each other fosters a dynamic and effective management team.

2. Artist Development: CORE Entertainment excels in identifying and nurturing talent. Their hands-on approach, exemplified by their work with Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, and Josh Ross, underscores the importance of personalized artist development in achieving sustained success.

3. Strategic Collaborations: By partnering with established artists like Nickelback, CORE Entertainment creates opportunities for cross-genre exposure, benefiting both veteran bands and emerging artists.

4. Adaptability in Crisis: The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, but Simon and Chief's adaptability—transitioning to remote collaboration and maintaining their vision—ensured CORE Entertainment's resilience and continued growth.

5. Expansion and Diversification: CORE Entertainment's venture into building a record label signifies strategic diversification, allowing them to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to their artists and establishing a more robust presence in the industry.

6. Personal Dedication: Both Simon and Chief demonstrate an unwavering commitment to their artists and to each other. Their willingness to invest time, effort, and resources, often at personal cost, highlights the dedication required to thrive in the competitive music industry.

7. Emphasis on Work Ethic: The recurring theme of hard work, perseverance, and dedication is evident throughout the conversation. Simon and Chief attribute their success to their relentless work ethic and their ability to outwork others, a value instilled in them from a young age.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Simon Tickman on Meeting Chief: [01:55]
  "Let's put in the work, the day-to-day work, very much like I think we all do with our wives, right? Where it's like you have to be heard and seen and understood."

• Chief Zaruk on Love for Live Shows: [07:10]
  "I love the live side. I love being on the road, I love traveling. I think I love the adrenaline of, you know, fans cheering, band getting ready for the show."

• Simon Tickman on CORE's Growth: [15:03]
  "We have something. It wasn't like big success, but like signing a pub deal...it felt monumental for us personally."

• Chief Zaruk on Bailey Zimmerman's Impact: [32:00]
  "Nobody knows Bailey's brand better than him. He is such a clear idea and clear direction of who he is as an artist."

• Simon Tickman on Josh Ross's Work Ethic: [38:39]
  "Josh is one of the hardest working guys I've ever seen. He knows what he wants, he knows what he deserves, and he's not gonna take no for an answer."

• Chief Zaruk on CORE's Future: [41:43]
  "We have a record label now too. So we are, we're trying to build a record label. We got the management side, we've got a publishing side, and that's CORE Rock Records."

Conclusion

This episode of "On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer" provides an in-depth exploration of CORE Entertainment Management's journey, from its inception to its current status as a powerhouse in the country music industry. Through the candid conversations with Simon Tickman and Chief Zaruk, listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of artist management, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the relentless dedication required to succeed in the music business. As CORE Entertainment continues to expand and evolve, their story serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring artists and industry professionals alike.

Stay Connected:

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• Subscribe to "On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer" to stay updated on new episodes and exclusive content.
• Upcoming Highlights: Look out for Bailey Zimmerman's new album "Different Night, Same Rodeo," releasing on August 8th, along with exciting summer tours and festivals.

Final Words from Troy: "Never lose your dreams because, as we spoke about today, every one of those artists were artists with dreams at one time who are living their dreams now. Keep your head up, keep swinging, and make music beautiful."

This summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview of the discussions, insights, and key moments shared by Troy, Simon, and Chief. It serves as a valuable resource for those who wish to understand the inner workings of CORE Entertainment and the broader music industry landscape.