Pictured (L-R): Gaines Sturdivant III, Gaines Sturdivant II. Photo: Courtesy Waffle House, Inc.
Red Light Management’s Gaines Sturdivant II, who guides the careers of artists such as Craig Morgan, King Calaway, and LoCash, co-authored a children’s book with his son, Gaines Sturdivant III.
The book, titled A Waffle Can Change the World, was inspired by the kind atmosphere the father and son have enjoyed at their local Waffle House #473 in Nashville, specifically from two associates, Terrie and Dawn. Through the lens of the observant first grader, readers come to know the enchanting touch of Terrie and Dawn. Through their example, young Gaines comes to understand that individual acts of kindness can truly change the world.
“Working with my son was incredibly special,” Gaines tells MusicRow. “Not only was it a bonding experience, but also a lifetime memory I’ll forever cherish. While I expected him to learn a lot from the process, I undoubtedly learned more through his eyes than I ever imagined. I can attest that any chance we have to slow down and see the world through a child’s lens is time well spent.”
Net profits from the sale of the book will benefit the “A Waffle Can Change the World Fund” via The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which honors associates of Waffle House #473 by supporting non-profit organizations engaged in youth enrichment services and education on a local and national level.
Gaines says that the experience will undoubtedly impact the way he does business with his management clients going forward.
“Having now made the journey from light bulb idea to finished product in the marketplace, I have learned that much of my music business skillset can be applied to other mediums,” he adds. “More importantly, it reinforced the entrepreneurial nature of management and the significance of diversification as I build artist brands. Most importantly, it demonstrated that authentic, true-life storytelling resonates loudly.
“Like many, the pandemic challenged my way of thinking and forced us all to generate ideas that weren’t solely dependent on an artist being physically present. I was fortunate to land on some ideas that could live and breathe on their own, but that I will now steer into artist careers. You will see a book project from Craig Morgan in late 2022, albeit not a children’s project, but the principle applies. In addition, I always remind clients that they have a unique platform and that with it comes some responsibility to give back. I wanted this project to serve that same mission and I’m excited to see where it goes.”
Published by The Nautilus Publishing Company, A Waffle Can Change the World is available now at awafflecanchangetheworld.com and on Waffle House’s online shopping site.
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