Larry Hurley
Founder and President
Larry was born in New York but planted his roots in the beautiful state of Georgia. In 1992 He started Smiley’s Unique Music and worked tirelessly to build his career, eventually selling Smiley’s in 2002. Unable to leave the industry completely, he continued to consult and assist in helping artists reach their potential.
His passion for entertainment and its effect on his well being didn’t go unnoticed. After the tragic loss of one of his sons in 2014, his family and loved ones urged him to dive back into the industry. Taking their advice he started to rebuild Smiley’s. Where the company once dealt exclusively with the musically gifted, under his leadership it has expanded to include all aspects of the entertainment world and formed two charitable organizations to spearhead positive change in the underserved communities. Thus changing the company’s name from Smiley’s Unique Music to Smiley’s Unique Universe.
His passion for entertainment and its effect on his well being didn’t go unnoticed. After the tragic loss of one of his sons in 2014, his family and loved ones urged him to dive back into the industry. Taking their advice he started to rebuild Smiley’s. Where the company once dealt exclusively with the musically gifted, under his leadership it has expanded to include all aspects of the entertainment world and formed two charitable organizations to spearhead positive change in the underserved communities. Thus changing the company’s name from Smiley’s Unique Music to Smiley’s Unique Universe.
Sara Phillips
Chief Of Operations
Sara was born and raised in a small town in Southeast Missouri. When she isn't rocking her position here at Smiley's Unique Universe, she likes to spend her time creating fictional worlds with nothing but ink and her imagination. As of 2023 she has broken into the world of scriptwriting and plans to take this part of the industry by storm.
She brings many skills to our Smiley's family, including five years of professional experience as a published author as well as over four years in the field of IT and Cyber security. Prior to this experience she worked for the State of Missouri at one of their mental health facilities for over seven years, where she developed risk management strategies, played crucial roles in crisis management, and spent time working in the facility's human resources.
John Warren
Vice President of Entertainment
John was born and bred in Georgia. As a multi talented member of the Smiley’s family, he brings with him a lifetime of experience from all areas of the stage and has made a name for himself performing in, hosting and insuring events. From his last performance playing bass on stage in 1988 to the present, John is someone who makes sure each show is a performance of a lifetime.
Where his love of music sprouted in the 70’s, John’s first love started at four years old when he got his first horse. When he isn’t rocking with the band, you will find John doing what he loves the most; spending quality time with his loved ones and his equine friends. From horses to horsepower, John is southern to his core.
Where his love of music sprouted in the 70’s, John’s first love started at four years old when he got his first horse. When he isn’t rocking with the band, you will find John doing what he loves the most; spending quality time with his loved ones and his equine friends. From horses to horsepower, John is southern to his core.
Rachelle Hunt
Vice President
Rachelle was born in Connecticut and spent most of her childhood traveling. As an empathetic and multi talented individual, she brings a side of compassion to our team like no other. When she isn’t creating innovative and strategic plans for Smiley’s, you will find her funneling her passion into her music, her lyrics and her faith.
She has become a vital member of our Smiley’s family by bringing that compassion and five years of musical experience to the table. If you were to ask her what brought her into this field her answer would simply be, this was what she was made for. This was something she feels she was always meant to do and puts as much devotion into it as she does her faith.
She has become a vital member of our Smiley’s family by bringing that compassion and five years of musical experience to the table. If you were to ask her what brought her into this field her answer would simply be, this was what she was made for. This was something she feels she was always meant to do and puts as much devotion into it as she does her faith.
Kyle Maikeru
Booking Manager
Kyle was born in Connecticut but currently represents Smileys out of North Carolina. When asked why he joined the Smiley’s team, his answer is simple. He wants a career that will help him grow alongside his passion for the industry. In his role here at Smiley’s he is able to give back to those who seek the same.
He brings with him five years of experience in networking at various conventions. Along with almost a decade of experience in troubleshooting and customer service. When it comes down to knowing how to communicate as someone who has been on both sides of the experience, Kyle takes on this responsibility like a champ!
He brings with him five years of experience in networking at various conventions. Along with almost a decade of experience in troubleshooting and customer service. When it comes down to knowing how to communicate as someone who has been on both sides of the experience, Kyle takes on this responsibility like a champ!