I recently sat down and talked with Aaron Simon the Vice President of Strategic Marketing & Business Development of Roptus Inc. I didn’t know what to expect from Aaron when interviewing him, but in the end he blew me away. He has got such a great personality unlike any other person in his position that I have interviewed before. Aaron has got a really good head on his shoulders and knows what he wants in life. I feel like once people get to know him, they will all relate with his views. Aaron has got such a positive outlook on life, and that is what we all need more of. Aaron and I talked a little bit about himself and his career.

Aaron got his feet wet at MTV, VH1, and Nickelodeon. Aaron Simon began his initial climb to the top at Jive Records, Marketing some of the biggest pop artists around the globe such as Justin Timberlake, *Nsync, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Aaron Carter, and others.

Then, after knocking on the front doors of Atlantic/Lava Records, where he was instrumental to the careers of Simple Plan, The Click Five, Uncle Kracker, Blue Man Group, Kid Rock, and others – Aaron got snatched up by Virgin Records where he put his unique marketing stamp on Massive Attack, Daft Punk, Janet Jackson, Korn, Lenny Kravitz, KT Tunstall, and others. All of this was just preparation for Aaron to work with the worlds most successful, highest selling, and most prominent Latin-American Artists at Roptus Inc.

What is the company you are currently working for and what do you do?

Roptus, Inc.
Vice President of Strategic Marketing & Business Development

Roptus Inc. Is a fully multi-integrated music entertainment corporation that handles artist management, touring, publishing, marketing, merchandising and also has an independent label named Side B, which is for Latin music. Aaron Simon’s role in the company includes bringing in U.S. Tour sponsorships, Overseeing all the crossover marketing of their Latin artist to the U.S., and Creating promotional opportunities for U.S. based companies for the opportunity to reach the Latino demographic in the U.S.

What made you decide to get into your line of work?

My father actually. When I was growing up, my father would always be playing music around the house. He is somewhat of a very well known music collector. He got me into music at a very young age along with my brother-Manny Simon- who is in the music biz as well), from always playing great music around the house. I knew from a young age that I would be working in the music business in some capacity. I became an award-winning percussionist in high school and college, and that ultimately lead me to getting onto the business side of music.

Out of all the companies you have worked for, which is your favorite and why?

Roptus, Inc. No doubt. The team here is unique and honestly incredibly-young, bright, hungry, and perhaps most importantly, passionate. Also, we have carefully contemplated all the issues within the music business to come up with a business model unlike no other. Truly offering artists complete innovation and the full spectrum of all their needs, from publishing, touring, marketing, publicity, an indie label, merchandising, etc. etc.

Who are some of your favorite people to work with?

Honestly, nearly everyone! I take something from anyone and everyone I meet. I think that’s how anyone can truly grow. If I did have to mention one band, it would be The Click Five. Brilliant musicians, great guys.

Whom did you admire growing up, and have you met any of them?

So many people I admired growing up. Matthew Suroff, Anthony and Sal Alfani, etc. Artist wise though, I would say Hall & Oats. I always have been a huge admirer of their music. And yes I was able to meet them and chat for a bit a few years back. It was very exciting for me! Also grew up loving and admiring Billy Joel, Huey Lewis, Rod Stewart, and Elton John . . . all who I very fortunately had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with.

What are some activities you like to do in your free time?

Free time? Not sure what that means? Other than work, I’m usually working, and then working! And lovin’ it! Once in a blue moon, I sleep, but rare.

How long have you been married?

2 years, three months, 14 hours. Loving every minute of it.

Would you rather have a boy or girl?

A girl that looks exactly like my wife . . . exactly.

What are some of your talents?

The ability to ‘not sweat the small stuff’. The ability to don’t let people bring you down, don’t try to change people, don’t stress over things you can’t control, accept the fact that every now-and then you will have a bad day, (and that’s OK), etc. etc. etc. I always try to wake up every morning with ‘my eye on the prize’. What that prize is . . . beats the hell out of me! Still trying to figure that one out . . .

How would you describe yourself? (Do you have a goofy side or are you mostly Serious?)

I’m a very open, honest, and likable person. Never judge anyone, appreciate and enjoy talking to almost everyone I meet (not the ‘almost’). I like to think I am a pretty good mix of serious sometimes, goofy the rest of the time.

Do you like living in L.A. or N.Y. better?

As much as I love living in L.A. and all the wonderful and great things about it . . . There is no other place on the planet quite like my hometown NYC!

How long did you live in N.Y.?

I lived in NYC for 12 years.

How long have you been in L.A.?

Only in L.A. for 1 ½ months.

Where are some of your favorite spots to go in both L.A. and N.Y.?

In L.A.-my office! My favorite place by far to be at. In N.Y. my old office.

Where are some of your favorite cities to visit? And why?

I love Austin, TX. Just so much fun there. South Beach, Miami too, I love because . . . well it’s South Beach. Of course Vegas, and then there’s Chicago, Denver, Houston . . . I think I pretty much love it EVERYWHERE I go. I also Love so much Marbella (southern tip of Spain) and Ravello (city in Italy).

What advice would you give for someone just starting out?

Work HARDER and have more PASSION than anyone else in your department, on your floor, in your building, on you block, and in your city. If you do that . . . you’ll be just fine. And do not be afraid to be HAPPY, the truly successful and rich people do not need to pretend that they are all serious all the time . . . SMILE . . . it’s ok.

If you could pick a quote to sum up how you feel in life, what would it be? And Why?

Never give up on your dreams, no matter what you are doing or what you want to do. The person with big dreams is ALWAYS more powerful then the person with all the facts.

On that note we ended the interview, and what a note to end on. Aaron didn’t get Where he is today, without a dream to start with. So for everyone out there, that Has a dream and people telling them not to, keep dreaming and you could end up Where you want to, like Aaron and so many others. You have to stay positive to Stay happy!

Location

United States