ADAM STEVENSON

ENTRPRENEUR. INNOVATOR. MENTOR

 

Over 30 years creating and investing in successful business ventures. A business philosophy founded on core values of integrity and a passion for elevating people to rise to the next level.

 

“My business and life have always centered around good people. Purpose, people and making a profit in an ethical manner all drive success. Good guys don’t finish last when you’re mindful of the environment and know how to guide people toward greatness.”

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“I have been through a shit-load of adversity. My life is built upon the setbacks, but I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without learning resilience and discipline from a young age.”

 

Adam Stevenson’s 30 year track record in creating successful, consumer-facing business ventures is built upon a disciplined work ethic and energized by the incredible people and partners he’s coached along the way. Growing up in Detroit instilled in him the values of resilience and innovation in the midst of adversity. His Greek-American family taught him the power of personal relationships. 

 

Guided by his mindful business philosophy, Adam has created a professional portfolio showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and talent for coaching teams toward greatness. 

 

REDEFINING BUSINESS STRATEGY

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“It’s about people, purpose, process and profit. I’m not oblivious to the need for making money and wanting to ‘win,’ but it must be in an ethical manner: no cutting corners, no cheating, and no bad people.”

 

Even from his early entrepreneurial beginnings, Adam focused on an ethical business philosophy guided by both financial success and compassion. Co-founding the Chicago-based independent recording label, Grass Roots Records, LLC. in 1993, Adam was one of the first in the industry to implement a 360-degree profit sharing model among the label’s artists. 

 

Adam believes a team growing and sharing together, allows for a community and culture to develop together. In this forward-thinking approach to business strategy, Adam has created an impressive lineage of successful ventures. 

 

His keen understanding of how to incentivize a consumer to act on a product also allows Adam to create opportunities for him and his team to enjoy a deeper sense of purpose within and beyond their career pursuits.

 

Adam’s business pursuits have since had far-reaching impact. Central to Adam’s belief in giving back continues to be demonstrated in his philanthropic support and community investment in organizations to help them flourish.

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ELEVATING PEOPLE AND PROFITS

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“People are at the heart of everything I do. I’m good at coaching; I’m good at elevating; I’m good at helping people be better. I’m also very disciplined and like to challenge myself and others to go to the next level. I’m a true believer in hard work.” 

 

A sincerity in gathering great people and nurturing valuable relationships with co-founders, partners and team members is the thread tying together Adam’s expansive career milestones. 

 

In 1996, Adam closed his chapter with Grass Roots Records and pivoted his focus toward marketing and advertising as founder of ADROC Productions South, Inc. For over 25 years, he has led his team within ADROC’s full service integrated marketing and advertising agency to build upon the power of relationships. 

 

Throughout his tenure as CEO at ADROC, Adam has managed over one billion dollars in marketing and advertising programs and consulted with global companies like Frank’s Red Hot, Jameson and Durex. Its tagline: “The Human Connection Agency” aptly describes Adam’s belief in community and collaboration.

 

Adam’s entrepreneurial drive continues to be fueled by the opportunity to evolve and elevate alongside his partners. Co-founding ventures like Champagne Cattier in France, Greek Lightning cinnamon honey liqueur in Greece and Xtreme Xperience, the largest North American Supercar driving experience, showcase an impressive international B2C business network.

 

“I’ve always looked for good-hearted people with good energy, clear focus and a passion for what they are doing. I’m not creating clones, I’m getting the best out of the people I work with.”

 

A dedicated work ethic, anchored by a need to achieve and surpass goals, are only a few of the traits Adam shares with those he surrounds himself. Just one example of Adam’s influence and ability to mentor is found in Adam Olalde, CEO and fellow co-founder of Xtreme Xperience who was recently named one of Chicago’s 40 under 40 in 2021. The success of his partners and collaborators continues to offer emotional rewards that often resonate far beyond any financial benefit. 

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BOARDS

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• DePaul College Prep

• Lightology

• Pure Edge Lighting

• ADROC Productions

• Exponential Destiny

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FOUNDATION FOUNDER

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• Chicago Music Commission

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