From Candy  

“I am excited to finally have a website that is all-inclusive—a source to check out ALL areas I am currently working on and to let you know when new projects are in the works.

Many people tell me, ‘Candy I thought your only job was to show up and sing!’  I laugh, then sigh—knowing at least a 30 minute conversation would be involved to explain the reality of this business of music.  Now, as you can see, I do not have a title behind my name claiming I am an expert in this business by any means.  But I guarantee I have earned a degree in the less flattering ‘real world road warrior’ degree program—I have surely logged enough hours and miles to at least have a Masters.

My background in sales and business was probably the most valuable tool in creating a business that included a legally functioning indie label, nation-wide touring, and now what we call the Candy Brand.   And No…I am no Reba McEntire (although her empire is a nice goal to strive for…Call me Reba! ), but I believe I have been blessed to learn many useful skills that apply to all businesses while maneuvering down this unusual path I have been so fortunate to have traveled.  I want to continue to develop new, fresh ideas, and never stop learning.  I LOVE seeing new projects start, grow - and thrive. I know my best is yet to come. I have never been as energized and motivated to see what God has in store.

MY MOTTO for 2013 is

'Today is a gift - so

What would I attempt to do (today) if I knew I could not fail?'"

EARLY LIFE

Candy Howard Coburn, was born in Murray, Kentucky and raised in Southeast Missouri and part-time in Texas.  Candy had her first job at the age of 8 working every Thursday night at her grandmother’s concession stand selling homemade southern cooking to car dealers coming through her dad’s car auction.  She was too short to see over the counter, so a wooden Coke box was her platform. This would mark the beginning of what would become a lifetime of selling and entertaining people.  Many of the patrons would like to re-count their change, but quickly learned she knew what she was doing. Candy would work until around 11 pm, be in bed by 2 am, and catch the school bus by 7 the next morning.  Little did they know, getting accustomed to those late night hours would be handy later in her life when she finally toured full time!

From those early years and through high school, Candy always had a job. These jobs included washing cars all day in mid-summer on black asphalt, mowing 7 acres of grass, filing paperwork, answering phones, doing a cooperative occupational education program in high school and many more.

EDUCATION & EARLY SALES

Candy received a vocal scholarship at the University of Missouri-Columbia and began her education in the hope of starting a career in music.  Candy took on almost any job available to pick up extra money for college—many times working more than one job including delivering phone books, cleaning houses, babysitting, and whatever else she could find, until she was offered a job at Joe Machens Ford in Columbia. 

After her first year and a half of college she realized her music degree would not really help achieve her goal of being a full-time touring artist.

During this time, after Candy had been working in almost every entry level area imaginable for Joe Machens Ford, an opening came up for a full-time business manager.  She would be the youngest person to be hired for this position in the most competitive store in the state.  She received numerous awards from Ford and performed at the top in her field. This job entailed working with a team of over 30 salespeople, several sales managers, numerous banks to gain financing for the customers, and selling options to customers for loans. These skills would also be helpful later on when forming a functioning indie record label and brand.

“This position is one of the most important positions in the #1 volume Dealership in the State of Missouri. Obviously we were very impressed with Candy and her abilities to offer this position to her…Candy developed into an outstanding employee…at the very top in her performance in the department. She won several awards for her achievements. Candy’s work ethic was remarkable...her communication skills were very good with all types of customers and fellow employees. Candy had the 3E’s—Energy, Excitement, and Enthusiasm. .. We have over 800 employees and if Candy was here today she would rank near the top. We are proud of her continued success as a performer and business owner.”—Gary Drewing, President/Owner, Joe Machens Dealerships

Candy stayed with Joe Machens for over 3 years and then formed her own company to provide contracted fill-in work for dealerships’ finance departments.  She continued working at that company while she attended the University of Missouri.  Candy realized to attain future professional sales positions, she would need to finish a degree. She graduated in 1998 with a BA in Theater with a music minor.

After graduating, Candy went on to work for Johnson and Johnson in pharmaceutical sales. She covered the Wisconsin/Upper Illinois territory. She did well at this position with good sales figures and grew her territory’s market share. She stayed with Johnson and Johnson a year and a half then made the move to Springfield, Missouri with her husband’s new job.

ENTEPRENER CAREER START

Candy and family settled in Springfield, Missouri and finally began her dedicated music career.  It was not an easy road for a rocker with a country soul to be based in Springfield, Missouri. She began her career by commuting back and forth from Nashville monthly to co-write and network while she formed a cover band to play regionally on weekends.

Candy continued to learn the business from the bottom. She began booking her own shows by using her sister’s name to give the impression that she at least enough going on to have someone working with her and she learned about production and gear—including how to set it up and tear it down.  Each weekend Candy would load the gear in and out of her own vehicle after playing for hours in smoky bars.  She ran through dozens of musicians with record turnover rates, promoted all shows by hanging up signs around town while carrying new baby on one hip, tried to collect money from venues owners who were crooked, and the very best one—she was “fired” by a band that was called The Candy Coburn Band with all gear owned by Candy.

These experiences shaped Candy’s understanding for all sides of this business.  After learning the ropes and understanding what she did not want to do, a turn in the road came when she started playing her original material solo every week per the advice of a very good mentor, Lou Whitney.  Shortly after, she recorded an EP, which lead to 2 full records, then a very good run in the Texas music scene with 3 top 15 singles.

In 2008, after over 2 years of trying, Candy was signed (as one of the only country rock females) by the Anheuser-Busch Corporation with a tour sponsorship. Since then she has written new records, worked with the very best people in Nashville, played on some of the best stages with the biggest names coast to coast, had national singles on the Music Row charts, played over 150 shows a year, and toured in over 35 states.  Candy also co-wrote a song called “Pink Warrior” that became the official anthem for Susan G. Komen for the Cure (dedicating all profits going to breast cancer research) which also led to working as a Celebrity Ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Candy has performed on Fox & Friends, has been on covers of magazines, has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, USA Weekend, and has managed to grow an indie music business on her own. She applies this work ethic to every endeavor she commits to start. When she sees a problem, Candy learns how to troubleshoot it from someone more knowledgeable—and with enthusiasm and a “never take no for an answer” philosophy, she gets it done.

“Rarely, do you meet someone who, as a gifted and accomplished entertainer, also possesses a high level of business savvy.  Candy is an Artist who understands that what happens ‘off stage and behind the scenes’ is probably more important than what happens ‘on stage’ in front of a crowd of fans.  Common sense and artistic ability rarely cross paths…but in Candy’s case, she stands solidly in that intersection.”—Paul Moore, William Morris Entertainment, Nashville

Candy has had a national corporate tour sponsorship for the past 5 years in a row as one of the only females on the True Music Series by the St. Louis based Anheuser-Busch Corporation.  The national restaurant chain, Texas Roadhouse, also partnered with Candy as a corporate tour sponsor.  Candy’s singles are featured on Texas Roadhouse Jukeboxes across the country.

Sharing Candy’s passion for our service men and women, both sponsors brought appreciation events to bases and recognized the military for all tour stops.

Candy is also proud to be recognized by her alma mater, University of Missouri, as a Celebrity Alum in their orientation “Welcome Program” for incoming Freshman classes.  (For more detailed music biography- go to PERFORMANCE/MUSIC Bio.)

“Budweiser has had the honor of sponsoring Candy Coburn for the past 5 years. During that incredible partnership, Candy has been an incredible marketing asset.  She brings exceptional energy and passion to the stage every night and is a great ambassador for the Budweiser brand." –Darryl Edwards, Director Geographic Marketing, Anheuser-Busch, InBev–St. Louis, MO

“Candy is not only a great person, but she is also an awesome performer and a great brand ambassador for Texas Roadhouse. She truly embodies our core values of Passion, Partnership, Integrity and Fun.”  -Travis Doster, Director of Public Relations, TEXAS ROADHOUSE Restaurant Group,Inc., Louisville, KY 

“I would strongly recommend working with Candy to elevate your company's business goals.  She is a true professional in every sense of the word.  She takes the time to listen and learn what your business objectives and goals are and then puts her personal skills to task to exceed your expectations.  Her follow up on all aspects of business is top notch.  I look forward to the opportunities to work with Candy because I know in advance the project will be enjoyable and successful.” –Steve Uline, EVP Marketing, Gander Mountain

EXPANDING THE CANDY PRODUCTIONS HORIZONS

In the past two years, Candy has been growing Candy Productions LLC. This is the umbrella company of all that now is referred to as the “Candy Brand.” If you peruse this site you can see she is an entrepreneur whose skill set has allowed her to create and thrive in many different areas.  

LOMA JEAN RECORDS–Candy created her indie record label, Loma Jean Records, 7 years ago.  She is proud of her “little–but all mine” label which has successfully released 4 records as of 2012 with plans for many more to come.  (See the Music page for to find current downloads and song clips.)

PUBLISHING–Candy Productions Publishing (ASCAP) and Candy Works Publishing (BMI) –Candy realized she needed to own her material and established her publishing companies, CandyWorks Publishing (BMI) and CandyProductions Publishing (ASCAP). She is a published songwriter with 4 full records released with national distribution.  Her music has been featured in television commercials, on national and local radio and on many campaigns online. (See the Song List page for more information.)

C&C AUDIO ARTS–Candy’s commercial jingle company, C&C Audio Arts has done custom work for a wide range of companies from Texas Roadhouse, Arby’s, and Ford dealerships, to smaller hair salons, restaurants and mechanic shops. A unique tune or commercial is created for each client and time is taken to make sure they are satisfied. (See the C & C Audio Arts page for more information.)

ARTIST COACHING / WORKSHOPS–One passion Candy has hoped to focus on for quite awhile is helping others who are starting out in this business.  She is excited to now offer new artist coaching and workshops. This is an area she has always been passionate about–speaking, teaching and guiding other aspiring artists in the business of Music.  She meets with new artists and qualifies their goals, strengths, weaknesses, then forms a game plan to build the foundation it takes to have a fair start in this business. (See the Artist Coaching / Workshops page for more information.)

“Candy Coburn is a force of nature and an absolute joy to know. She is a high energy, positive, outgoing, determined and professional young woman. Her spirit is contagious, which is why she has built such a strong fan base over the years…

Candy showed professionalism to its finest… I respect her as a business person. She is always ready to work hard and is kind and generous to everyone she encounters.” –Hala Moddelmog--President Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. –Atlanta, GA

PR / MEDIA / TV / RADIO HIGHLIGHTS

Over the past 7 years Candy has been on over 2000 radio stations nationwide, as well as over 100 television affiliates.

• FOX & Friends, NYC–Candy appeared on the #1 Morning show, Fox & Friends. She was interviewed about her work in the fight against breast cancer and performed two songs during the morning segment.

• Candy acted as a Celebrity Ambassador in all areas of media for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  To see samples of TV Interviews, visit the Video page on CandyCoburn.com.

While serving as an Ambassador for Komen for the Cure, Candy

• Did more than 50 interviews

• Attended events at Vice-President Biden’s home

• Appeared for

• Global Race for the Cure at the Washington DC Memorial Mall with over 50,000 in attendance

• Charlotte Motor Speedway with over 115,000 in attendance

• The Oaks at Churchill Downs with over 118,000 in attendance

• The Dollar General 300 with over 100,000 in attendance),

• Over 42 events connected to the 15 city tour from coast to coast for the entire 3-Day Walk for the Cure 2010-11 to help raise money for breast cancer research.

• Was honored when her song, “Pink Warrior,” was used for a Nationwide TV Commercial for the Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure

• Candy continues to do many events as a special guest, sharing her motivational message and song for various charities in addition to individual Komen affiliates.

• Wall Street Journal—Candy was interviewed and featured in an article regarding being an independent artist and small music business owner.

• Candy was one of the contributors in Indy-Car star Sarah Fisher’s new book 99 Things Women Wish They Knew Before Getting Behind the Wheel of Their Dream Job .

• Planet Smoothie Commercial Video-—Candy hosted the grand opening of the Atlanta-based store and did a commercial for the opening.

• Massage Envy—Candy did a voice over commercial for the entire massage chain to promote their Breast Cancer Awareness Month promotion.

• Anheuser-Busch—Candy has been a brand ambassador for Budweiser and helped promote the brand on all forms of media. She is also featured in ads as one of the faces of the True Music Series.

• Carvin Guitars—Candy has been endorsed by Carvin Guitars.  She is featured on their site and print materials as a sponsored artist.

• Candy has performed and entertained at many major corporate events (including but not limited to

• California Pizza Kitchen, Los Angeles, CA
• Arby’s Restaurants Inc., Atlanta, GA
• Anheuser-Busch InBev, St. Louis, MO
• Massage Envy
• Planet Smoothie, Atlanta, GA
• Dollar General 300, Lowes Motor Speedway, Charlotte, NC
• Papa John’s Pizza, Louisville, KY
• GIE Expo, Louisville, KY
• Charlotte Diesel Super Show, zMax Dragway in Concord, N.C.
• National Firefighters Association, Indianapolis, IN
• US Air Force,  Daytona, FL
• US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO
• US Army in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO
• Texas Rangers Baseball, Arlington, TX
• Dallas Stars Hockey, Dallas, TX
• Ben E. Keith Corporation, Dallas, TX

• Magazine Covers

• LO Profile
• 417 Magazine
• Erie Life

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MORE TESTIMONIALS

“I have been lucky in my years of owning and managing several businesses, have worked with great leaders and business people, but I have never worked with anyone that has more passion, drive, real savvy then Candy Coburn.  Candy is a great leader and business person that sees the big picture but can focus on the smallest detail. Always 150% positive, always on top of her game in every aspect.  Wall Street Journal in a story featured the unique arrangement that she established with the restaurant chain “Texas Roadhouse”. Always a winner!!”—David Snowden, President, Triangle Talent, Inc.-Louisville, KY

“One of the many things that made working with Candy such a pleasure was the fact that she realized from the beginning that she was a business and she was the CEO.  A music career is an entrepreneurial venture with all the associated risks and rewards. Candy realized that and was able to manage her career more effectively because of that awareness.  Fans gravitate to artists who put energy and passion into their performances. All of Candy's shows were an experience, not just an event. She rocked every time she got before an audience.”—Llew Haden, Wales Business Management-Atlanta, GA