Showcasing the NEXT Awards music, sports, gaming and entertainment growth finalists | Entrepreneurs

Founders: Linden and Jennifer Lantz

• Serve over 90 Middle and High Schools across Middle TN

• Over 28 percent growth year-over-year since we opened our doors

• Generated over 100 5-star Google reviews in the last year

• Expanded staff from 4 to 26 members since 2021

• 5-time NAMM top 100 Dealer in the world

Additional notes from the founder (Linden):

I was the cover feature in Music INC magazine. I have presented at 3 NAPBIRT (National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians) Clinics across the US and Canada. I was a featured presenter at NASMD (National Association of School Music Dealers) on the importance of the instrument repair shop. I lead a team for 4 Repair Technicians, 3 Retail Associates, 2 Road Sales people, and 13 Lessons Teachers. I am on the board for WIT (Wester Iowa Technical College) and Music City Youth in the Arts. 

Founders: Jarrod Cooper and Ryan Findley 

• Closing in on our company’s 7th anniversary, CmdShft remains fully independent of any investors; a truly bootstrapped company that consistently outperforms heavily funded competitors in the space

• Currently on pace in 2025 to have our best year ever, increasing gross revenues by 25% from 2024

• Cut an immeasurable amount of time and cost by integrating AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the advancement of our proprietary music delivery, content management, and analytical technologies

• Expanded our service offerings for high-touch clients to include publishing admin, sync placement, and physical merchandise manufacturing and distribution

• Grew our team with strategic new hires and developed an in-house mentorship program for future music industry executives

• Continued our philanthropic endeavors through local industry organizations such as FAM (Family Alliance in Music), CMA Foundation Music Association Teachers of Excellence, Second Harvest’s Meet Music Row, and Juneteenth615

Additional notes from the founders:

Focusing on the need for an artist-friendly solution, CmdShft has independently helped hundreds of artists distribute over 50,000 tracks, generating tens of millions of dollars in revenue CmdShft was featured in Music Row Magazine and American Songwriter, highlighting the rise of independent distribution/label services companies shifting the landscape of modern music business. Jarrod is an alum of Leadership Music; the distinguished national program based in Nashville, designed to create a forum in which music industry leaders can learn about all segments of the music business, and explore current issues affecting the industry. Ryan developed the industry’s first financial tool with the unique capability of automating the recoupment of expenses an artist or label incurs against their share of royalties. Ryan most recently created a technological solution for labels under the major distribution system to bypass specific restrictions put in place to keep content from participating in certain marketing opportunities on DSPs.

• Revenue Growth & Client Retention. Achieved double-digit year-over-year revenue growth, driven by expanded client services and new partnership opportunities. Maintained a client retention rate of over 90%, demonstrating the long-term value and trust in mtheory’s services. Closed FY2024 with our biggest profit to-date.

• Client success. Helped 22 Artist Managers build their businesses across the globe. Helped more than 60 artists develop their careers through marketing and strategy. Global Breakthroughs: Djo’s viral hit “End of Beginning” surged to #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on the UK Singles Chart, while his follow-up single hit #1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay — cementing his global crossover success. Mainstream Momentum Without Compromise: Tyler Childers’ “In Your Love” became his highest-charting single to date (#7 Hot Country Songs, #43 Hot 100), and Snipe Hunter debuted at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 album charts with minimal radio support — proving the power of authenticity and fan-first strategy. Chart-Topping Dominance: Jelly Roll’s album Beautifully Broken debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, while he continued his streak of #1 country radio singles and earned multiple major industry awards.

• Graduated the 4th cohort of the Equal Access program. Supported 5 artists and 5 artist managers from underrepresented demographics in country music by providing financial resources, training, and networking opportunities through our Equal Access Development Program.

• Entered the Chinese music market by leveraging artist participation in major Chinese TV shows, resulting in 50 percent increase in social media following in Asia for featured artists. New brand and tour opportunities under negotiation in China and Southeast Asia.

• Expanded our presence in LA (on top of Nashville, NYC and New Orleans)

Additional notes from the founder:

I was honored to receive the 2024 Music Business Association Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement — one of the industry’s highest honors for leadership and vision. I was featured in the “My Music Row Story” series (July 30, 2025), where I shared how I built mtheory into an artist-first company and launched initiatives like Equal Access to bring greater inclusion to country music. I am being honored by Save The Music this year for advancing industry equity — honored alongside Lee Ann Womack and Old Dominion for our philanthropic leadership. I was elected to the Recording Academy’s Nashville Board of Governors in 2025, where I’m helping shape the future of our industry through advocacy, inclusion and strategic leadership. I was named a Nashville Business Journal Woman of Influence