In a career that has spanned over 35 years in broadcasting, Mr. Schemmel developed expertise in sales and management that carried his sales teams to unprecedented success and then continued to craft those ideas in to the products that Gabriel Media uses today.
He began his career in 1985 with WVJS/WSTO/Owensboro Cable in Owensboro, Kentucky. In May of 1989 he accepted an entry level position at legendary WSM AM/FM. In the next 11 years he became a Top Producer and ultimately became the most successful sponsorship sales rep for the Grand Ole Opry in the history of Gaylord Entertainment Company. He helped pave the way for an NTR department that led the local market for more than a decade.
Mr. Schemmel became the Local Sales Manager in January 2000 and was promoted to Sales Manager one year later. He managed sales for The Grand Ole Opry, WSM AM/FM, WSMONLINE.COM and his newly created Synergy Group. He led his sales team to accomplishments with Digital and NTR sales programs unique to the radio industry that produced over $1.1 million (in 2002!) and rates as one of the industry’s more stunning accomplishments since his radio stations were ranked #13 and #14 for A25-54 respectively at the time.
Allen, along with his partners John Padgett and Rick Steele (now deceased) launched Gabriel Media in August 2003 and now 16 years later will crest over $250 million in sales for their customers. He has sold “in the trenches” during every kind of situation with nearly every tool imaginable and brings that innovation and zest to Gabriel Media’s clients with Traditional and Digital media.
Mr. Schemmel is a graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College with a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Telecommunications. He resides in Hendersonville, Tennessee with his wife, Drena, of over 36 years. His son Ryan is a successful entrepreneur in Nashville, and proud to have his daughter Lindsay Payne as an integral member of Gabriel Media. The joys of their life are their two granddaughters which they enjoy spoiling.