Jen Sullivan is the VP of Commerce & Social Media at MNRK Music Group, where she works closely with artists and bands to help guide their careers both personally and professionally. Balancing leadership with a hands-on approach, she plays a key role in shaping how artists connect with audiences, focused not just on breaking talent, but on turning great songs into real cultural moments.

MNRK Music Group is an independent music company working across recorded music, distribution, and artist services, supporting a diverse roster of artists and labels like Dualtone, Last Gang, and Prosthetic Records. With a global reach and a focus on both heritage and emerging talent, MNRK operates across multiple areas of the industry, helping bring music to audiences through a combination of creative, commercial, and strategic support.

Outside of work, Jen is also a wife and mom of two teenage boys. She loves spending time with her family, volunteering at her church, cooking and relaxing in her backyard with "a sip and a chip". She is a self proclaimed girl of many hobbies to which 'none are consistent but drawing, painting, sewing etc are in the rotation from time to time'. Jen says, "I am also a loyal member of the sun-chasing club, so I never miss an opportunity to take a ride down the Jersey Shore".

How did you get into your industry / What motivated you?

My first job in this industry was at K-Rock here in New York working in the promotion department. To this day, I consider it one of the best jobs I've ever had that ended in lifelong friendships and lifetime memories. I always had a strong love of music and a personality that was considered 'too much' ...so radio was a natural fit for me.

What is a day in the life like?

My early mornings consist of running my kids to school and speed cleaning my house. Then I'm straight to the grind, juggling meetings, strategy discussions and consistently banging the phones. I haven't taken a 'no' seriously in my career so I'm always figuring out ways to get tiny wins throughout the day. I am also very hands on with our artists and very much look forward to those daily interactions.

In your opinion what has been your favorite / the coolest thing you've worked on?

Hmm… tough question! One of the greatest highs for me is watching a new artist grow, I've seen someone with maybe 1K followers on IG or TikTok go from playing to a room of 20 people to selling out massive venues and building a real fan base. Those moments never get old. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t teared up at more than a few shows — that’s truly the gift of this job.

What has been / is the most difficult part of your job?

Consistently trying to understand why some records take off while others don’t (even when the song feels stronger and the artist is doing everything “right.”) That unpredictability can be tough. I feel a deep responsibility to do right by our artists, and more than anything, I just want to see them happy and successful.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to get into pursuing what you’re doing?

This is a lifestyle job that requires long hours, intense passion and patience.

If you don't have a deep love of music and working with people of all personalities this job probably isn't for you.

Are you a vinyl collector yourself? What drew you to it? If not, why the vinyl industry?

I am! I wouldn't say it's the most massive collection but a hundred or so. I think there's nothing more relaxing than to listen to music on vinyl.

What types of things are happening in your industry / with vinyl that you’re excited or worried about? i.e. innovation, or trends you’re seeing.

The vinyl resurgence continues to grow and has evolved into a premium fan experience, which I LOVE. The creativity around variants, deluxe packaging, and DTC exclusives has opened up new marketing and revenue opportunities. This isn't my direct lane of expertise but I think the main concern is probably manufacturing constraints and forecasting. It can be difficult to move at the speed modern campaigns demand.

Who has been influential to you and your growth as a professional in this industry? 

One thing I've always done right in this business is keep my circle close and never let go of them. I have a real support system of true friends I can call and get advice from at any time.

Anything else you’d like to add; if not tell us what you're listening to: 

I have an extremely expansive music taste. Let's just say Frank Sinatra might have been my #1 artist on Spotify's 2025 wrap up (gulp!).

One artist I am very excited about right now is the one and only Tone Stith. His music, passion and love of this business is going to get him everywhere he wants to be. He is a joy to work with and the music is FIRE. Go stream it right now, I demand it!