Ross Schilling has traveled the world with some of the greatest musical artists: Lynyrd  
Skynyrd, Kid Rock, Toto, Hank Williams, Jr., and Kenny Wayne Shepherd — to name a few. 

Schilling’s start in the entertainment biz spurs from humble beginnings at the University of Florida. While studying recreation at the UF College of Health & Human Performance’s Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management, Schilling joined Student Government Productions, or SGP, a group that organizes musical artists to perform for students, as the vice chair and chair and also served as Gator Growl Concert Director. In total, Schilling brought approximately 20 national acts to Gainesville, working with artists like Tom Petty, Black Crows, Lenny Kravitz and Morrissey.

As part of his role in SGP, Schilling became involved with the National Association for Campus Activities where he connected with an agent from William Morris Agency, or WMA, an entertainment-based agency that ramped up representing country music stars in the 1990s. Schilling was offered a job in Nashville by WMA after graduation and worked at the agency for four years.

“I realized there was a fire burning inside of me that wanted to work closer with the artists on a day-to-day,” Schilling said.

From there, Schilling entered music management where he continues to serve as the mouthpiece for performers by negotiating deals on their behalf, speaking on a day-to-day with agents, working with record labels, overseeing tours, developing new merchandise and more. In total, he has managed 15 national acts throughout his career. 

Now, Schilling manages Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd who continues to develop a new generation of fans and reinvent themselves, most recently through the creation of the band’s Hell House American Whiskey beverage.

“Great music stands the test of time,” Schilling said.

Schilling, who also established the Ross A. Schilling Internship Endowment Fund for students interested in event management and pursuing careers in entertainment management, encourages aspiring professionals in the industry to embrace a go-getter mindset.

“Go out there and get involved,” Schilling said. “Do what makes you happy.”

[Profile added in 2024]

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