Founder, CEO and Licensing Industry Entrepreneur Michael W. Kempner Relaunches Premier Full-Service Licensing and Sponsorship Agency
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – June 13, 2011 – M!KE Licensing (www.mikelicensing.com), one of the nation’s premier licensing and sponsorship companies, today announced the rebranding of its company name. Formerly known as Stone America, M!KE Licensing focuses on licensing partnerships that maintain brand integrity. Recognized in the industry for its innovative and strategic licensing programs, the firm will continue to be led by Founder and CEO Michael W. Kempner and maintain core team members including Vice President Caren Calabrese, Licensing Manager Kerri Zupp, CFO Seth Rosenstein and Chief of Staff Alysia Gemma.
“Today’s rebranding infuses new energy into our brand, and marks an exciting milestone in our company as we continue to flourish as a key partner for our current and prospective clients,” said Kempner. “We remain as committed as ever to our clients and to crafting innovative licensing programs that enhance profitability and strengthen and grow brands.”
The M!KE Licensing team itself is highly skilled and capable of working with a diverse range of clients, from those looking to strike a small number of key license agreements worth millions, to those whose objectives are to greatly expand their portfolio of licensees. The firm has represented a variety of brands ranging from corporate trademarks to character licensing to entertainment properties.
M!KE Licensing’s team includes:
Michael W. Kempner, CEO
Kempner, who founded the firm in 1997, is a noted entrepreneur who also serves as president and CEO of MWW Group, one of the top 10 independent global public relations firms. Headquartered in East Rutherford, New Jersey, MWW Group is one of the most prestigious firms in the industry, having won numerous awards and has represented hundreds of companies over the years, ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. M!KE Licensing shares MWW Group’s office space and will continue to have access to its talent and resources.
Caren Calabrese, Vice President
Calabrese’s more than ten years of licensing experience includes the development and management of programs for a variety of classic brands including but not limited to: Revlon, The Stanley Works, Mary-Kate and Ashley, Smith & Wesson and Subway. Calabrese is adept at striking complex deals for both large and small brands, and for companies of all sizes, from Fortune 100 to small privately owned businesses. She has negotiated hundreds of agreements worth tens of millions of dollars on behalf of clients.
Kerri Zupp, Licensing Manager
Zupp, who joined the firm in 2004, has experience representing a variety of brands ranging from corporate trademarks to character licensing and entertainment properties. Her ten years in the licensing, sales and marketing industries includes tenure at Premier Networks Inc., a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications.
About M!KE Licensing
M!KE Licensing is a top boutique brand licensing agency, with passionate, experienced professionals committed to crafting the most innovative and strategic licensing programs. M!KE Licensing’s senior team, comprising the most dedicated professionals in the business, strives for quality, long-term relationships which will enhance brand awareness, grow new customers and create profitability. We look at our relationships as partnerships, whether it be M!KE Licensing and our clients or licensors and licensees, and we focus on partners who will maintain brand integrity. Licensing is a critical part of any marketing strategy, and we aim to deliver the most effective programs as enthusiastic and dedicated partners to your brand.
M!KE Licensing client list includes: Laura Ashley, Little Miss Matched, University of Oxford, Carte Blanche Greetings “Me to You” and “My Blue Nose Friends”, Yak Pak, Pet Head, Kampgrounds of America, StinkyKids, Paris Blues, Norman Rockwell, Lexani, Mel’s Drive-In, Scientific American, International Truck & Engine, Z. Cavaricci, TKO, and Jarden: Patton, Health o meter, Holmes
