David started working in the new media space in 2018 as a production manager for the Aphmau channel and Catface studios, running production and merchandising operations.  Taking the experience he gained in a formal studio environment, he departed at the beginning of 2020 to found In The Black Media, targeted at working with YouTube content creators who needed a business half to their creative brain.  Starting with clients Simple History, Alan Becker, and Mav, the firm quickly grew into a production studio powerhouse, creating processes, building teams, and driving creative ideation for optimal channel and business growth.
Jared Read, founder of Jokull Media worked as a CNA for the Department of Veteran Affairs, taking care of COVID patients and going to nursing school by day, helping YouTubers and writing guides by night. Over time the communities promoted Jared to Moderator and Admin, and he began to deepen in relationships in the creator community.  He started by helping them exponentially grow their channels through content strategy, quickly identifying a need in the market for transparent and creator-focused influencer marketing management and so Jokull Media was born as a creator-friendly, brand-friendly agency. In 2021 he met David and they co-founded the brand deal side of In The Black Media where Jared consulted and advised creators and staff, in 2022 after securing $2m+ in deals over 2 years by himself, he left nursing as a career and dedicated himself to influencer marketing through Jokull Media.
I’ve always been a Project Manager at heart, even while working as a Legal Assistant and Virtual Assistant. My true strength lies in managing big-picture projects and leading teams. Now, as a Senior Influencer Partnerships Manager for the past three years, I oversee influencer marketing campaigns, consistently delivering top KPIs/ROIs for our partners. We pride ourselves on transparency with both creators and brands, and we always bring the best through adaptability, experience, and clear communication.
I believe structured communication solves problems, and I apply that to both my personal and professional life. I hate wasting time and always aim for efficiency.
Outside of work, I’m constantly learning new skills, including leadership tactics and better communication methods. I also referee national-level volleyball games and coach new referees while managing the local Referee Board's obligations to the community.
In August of 2023, Jared and David joined forces after several years of working side by side and merged the firms together to run In The Black Media as joint owners.
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ITBM now manages top talent in the creative space with our Talent division, and runs highly effective Influencer Marketing campaigns within our Marketing division, pushing relentlessly to take our clients to new heights.