The ConneXtion Team
Since 1997, The ConneXtion has been a family-owned and operated business providing Direct2Consumer sales, marketing, and fulfillment solutions for hundreds of festivals, concerts, fashion brands, musicians and bands, filmmakers, comedians, independent labels, foodies and more.
While we strive to color within the lines of three primary verticals, we are not afraid to step up to new challenges and go where we have yet to travel. We are capable and flexible team of professionals who come together to provide our clientele with affordable, dependable eCommerce fulfillment solutions.
Our Executive Management Team brings together more than 60 years combined experience in the D2C market space working with clients targeting audiences of festival and event attendees, special event and concert goers, and collectors of uniquely branded, commemorative and collectible merchandise. Our clientele represents for profit and not-for-profit organizations and agencies of all sizes and budgets.
The ConneXtion delivers eCommerce, merchandise procurement and design, marketing, and customizable fulfillment services via three national locations in Anacortes, Washington, Austin, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee.
HQ + Biz Dev + West Coast Fulfillment | Anacortes, WA
Headquartered in Anacortes, Washington, our bicoastal team provides white glove services on behalf of our Clients to their customers. Let The ConneXtion team build a customized ecommerce sales and fulfillment solution that works for you!
Todd Young, Founder + President
Growing up in Austin TX taught Todd the value of a community that supports artists. Whether that was going out to local festivals where Willie Nelson or Stevie Ray Vaughn would be playing to adoring home town crowds or going to all ages clubs like The Black Cat to see who was coming up, the focus was on the artist and what they were doing. After graduating from the University of Texas and bumming around Europe for a few years, he decided to be part of that support network. This is the mid 90s, when the internet was changing the way Artists and Fans interacted and by founding The ConneXtion Todd was one of the pioneers of what would come to be called Direct2Consumer Merchandising. Growing The ConneXtion's roster organically to provide Musicians, Comedians, Filmmakers, Fashion Brands, Festivals, Celebrities, NonProfits--CREATIVES-- the infrastructure to service their community of supporters took the journey full circle, back to the value of the community that supports the Artist!
In the decades since, The ConneXtion has become one of the leading boutique D2C eCommerce, Merchandising, Fulfillment companies in the space. Along with his wife Janna, and his brother Collin, The ConneXtion continues to service some of the biggest names in the industry by sticking to a tried and true method: Do what you say you are going to do & Show respect to the community that supports the Client.
Todd is a founding member of The Anacortes Music Project (AMP), a non-profit dedicated to Amplifying the Music and Musicians of his adopted hometown of Anacortes WA. For 5 years Todd hosted The NeXt Show a 2 hr online radio program showcasing local musicians through both live performance and conversation - The NeXt Show was produced by Doug Cassidy CTO; a real family affair!. In the little free time that is left, Todd hangs with his awesome kids, Theo and Thurston, goes hiking & snowboarding, and of course, listens to tons of music.
Janna Young, Owner + Director of Warehouse Operations
Janna Young graduated from The University of Texas with a Psychology degree, but something pulled her in the direction of the music industry after college. She managed record stores for 6 years in Austin, Arlington, and Dallas before getting her foot in the door at PolyGram Distribution. She met Todd right after she was hired at PolyGram in Dallas, and was soon transferred down to Houston, TX as a Field Representative. After working for PolyGram and later Universal Music, Janna decided to leave the corporate world and join Todd at The ConneXtion.
Janna has worn many hats in her 20+ years including managing customer service, programming, inventory management, fulfillment, account management, and marketing communications. Today, Janna oversees the Warehouse Team and manages the day-to-day operations of the warehouse.
In her spare time, Janna loves cooking, traveling, hiking, photography, gardening, and of course, hanging out with her awesome family!
Doug Cassidy, eCommerce Technology
Doug Cassidy is a web developer, father, and musician. He has been building websites from the ground up since 2001. A self starter, Doug began learning basic programming in the '80's as a kid. Throughout the years he has witnessed the many changes in technology, particularly development and design, adapting along the way.
Doug's years of web development experience give him the practical knowledge to build in HTML, CSS, SASS, Javascript, jQuery, PHP, MySQL. He also brings to The ConneXtion knowledge and practical experience working with third party API's like Google, Mailchimp, Facebook, and many other social integrations.
In this era of demand for responsive digital technology, Doug builds sites that are functional across all user platforms, supporting all technological aspects of our client's online storefronts.
In his off time, Doug plays guitar and bass in local bands and participates in the regional music scene through his passion for recording and engineering. But his most important gig is playing father to his awesome, college-aged son, of whom he is extremely proud.
Operations + Administration | Austin, TX
Austin is home to a world of musical experieces and the base camp for The ConneXtion's Operations Team. With an international music vibe, it only makes sense that The ConneXtion would have more than a few well... connections.
The ConneXtion team is most grateful for the longstanding relationships we have built in this community including our work with SXSW and Austin City Limits. In today's advanced world of digital access, we have the opportunity to serve clients and their customers from wherever they are in the world.
Collin Young, Operations
Collin Young joined The ConneXtion in 2010 after completing his undergraduate studies in Political Science. After a long stint overseas, Collin eventually found his way to Austin. Captivated by the vibrant sense of community and strong local music scene, it quickly became home.
Working in the music industry had always been an exciting prospect for Collin, and not long after arriving in Austin, he became The ConneXtion's anchor there and has never looked back. Since then he has contributed to almost every role inside the company, giving him a unique ability to look at the organization and operation as a whole and help the team to constantly find ways to better serve our clients.
He is passionate about music, creativity, and empowering the artist and fan.
A 21st-century business model relies on adaptable teams to come together regardleess of location. This is the flexible business model of The ConneXtion. Our east coast satellite hub is located in the heartland of southern music vibrations, Nashville, Tennessee. It is also the home of a couple of our favorite longstanding clients. This is where you'll find The ConneXtion's Merchandise Team, hard at work on creating uniquely original designs, sourcing the right merch, swag, and promo items, and managing the critical processes of making sure our Clients get what they need, when and where they need it on time and on budget.
Account Management + Marketing | San Francisco, CA
Often described as a handsomely seaport and a magical vortex of all things fine art, exceptional music performances, and great food, it makes sense that The ConneXtion would have a presence in this west coast creative community. San Francisco is home to The ConneXtion's daily client account management activities and the launch pad for marketing and communications strategies.
Yan Birch, Director Of Strategic Partnerships
Yan Birch has 25+ years of Professional, Creative and Financial Management from feature films to fulfillment services, which demand Superior Logistics. As the co-founder of Accolade Distribution, he solely ran an entire fulfillment operation from head to toe for 8 years. His expertise encompassed many facets of fulfillment, including 3PL, Warehousing, Order processing, Fulfillment, Development, Accounting, Strategic Planning, Special Events, Budget Management, New Business Development, Client Management, Contract Review, Contract Negotiation, Financial Management, Operational Efficiencies and P&L Management. Last but certainly not least, is his close relationships and abilities to connect multiple services to the Artist Community.
Yan’s oversight has played a key role in client services, account leadership, and revenue generation; for companies such as AEG Live/Bandmerch, Brothers Entertainment, Pure Entertainment, TBR Entertainment and Texas Environmental Energy Group.
Yan Birch graduated with Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, and further degrees in Mathematics and Psychology from the Technical College, Teknikum, Vaxjo Sweden.
Michael Abrams, Director of Account Management
Michael is a native of Music City, USA - Nashville, Tennessee. He has been involved in the music scene in some way, shape, or form from a very young age. From marching and performing in high-school and college drumlines, to being the frontman for hardcore/punk bands, Michael is passionate about keeping music in his heart.
He onboarded with The ConneXtion after a year of service with AmeriCorps working in the Anacortes, Washington school district. After spending some time in customer service and warehouse management, he stepped-up to the official role of Account Manager.
Adventure came calling, so he returned to his roots for a short stay with family in Nashville. He then felt the calling to explore cultures in the southernmost regions of North American, discovering Oaxaca, Mexico. Michael finally landed in the San Francisco Bay Area where he appears to be planted for a while. When work is done for the day, you will find him rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, or camping and communing with nature.
