From Knightly News to Hollywood: UCF Alumnus Built Artist Management Company Representing Top Comedians and Musicians 

A College of Sciences alumnus turned the connections he made in UCF’s TV production program into a Los Angeles-based artist management company helping entertainers grow careers on stage and beyond. 

Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: July 27, 2026

For Stephen Gordon Walker ’12, success in the entertainment industry begins with embracing what makes you different. 

After graduating from the then-named Nicholson School of Communication’s TV production program in 2012, Walker spent more than 15 years building a career across television production, live entertainment and artist management before launching WalkTheWalk Talent in Los Angeles in 2023. Today, the company represents comedians, musicians, actors, writers and producers while helping clients grow their careers through live touring, digital media, publishing, brand partnerships as well as TV and film production. 

One of his first decisions as a business owner reflected the lasting impact of his UCF experience. His first hire was fellow TV production alumna Jordan Renee Henry ’12, a classmate whose friendship began at UCF. 

“The entertainment industry is built on unique perspectives,” Walker says. “Students should embrace the experiences and interests that make them distinctive because authentic voices are what connect with audiences.” 

His own professional path was anything but conventional. 

Originally pursuing a pre-med track, Walker realized medicine was not the right fit while taking an anatomy course. Around the same time, television comedies such as 30 Rock, The Office and Parks and Recreation introduced him to the creative side of the entertainment industry. 

A fellow UCF student invited Walker to his first live stand-up comedy performances. Watching comedians captivate sold-out audiences inspired him to pursue a career behind the scenes supporting entertainers. 

That experience would later become part of the story that helped him land his first job in Los Angeles. 

While technical skills prepared him for the industry, Walker says the relationships he built at UCF have proven equally valuable throughout his professional journey. 

“I’m grateful for the friendships that began at UCF,” he says. “Many of those relationships continue today, and it has been exciting to watch so many classmates build successful careers across the entertainment industry.” 

One of those friendships was with Henry, whom he met while working on Knightly News, now known as The Charge on Air. Years later, she joined WalkTheWalk Talent to help oversee the company’s business operations after building a career on major scripted television productions. 

Before launching his own company, Walker held production roles at NBC Sports while earning a Master of Business Administration from Rollins College. From there, he spent a decade in various roles at a major LA-based entertainment company, helping drive growth across the company’s live venues, television production and management divisions.  

Although entrepreneurship had long been a personal goal, starting a business initially felt like a distant aspiration.  

“I realized that building a company requires a willingness to learn, adapt and take calculated risks,” he says. “Owning a business also provides the opportunity to build something meaningful while creating greater freedom and long-term impact.” 

Since launching WalkTheWalk Talent, Walker has helped artists produce comedy specials, develop live tours and expand their businesses across multiple platforms. The company’s intentionally small roster allows the team to work closely with every client. 

“When evaluating potential partnerships, we look beyond talent,” he says. “We want to work with artists whose vision, work ethic and values align with ours because successful artist management is built on trust and collaboration.” 

Among the most rewarding parts of his work is supporting comedians reach career milestones after years of performing and refining their craft. 

“Producing a comedy special represents years of dedication for many performers,” Walker says. “Being part of that process and helping bring those projects to audiences is incredibly rewarding.” 

As technology continues to reshape entertainment, Walker believes audiences still value authentic, shared experiences. 

“Digital platforms and artificial intelligence continue to transform the industry,” he says. “At the same time, live performances remain incredibly meaningful because there is nothing quite like experiencing a show alongside thousands of other people.” 

Looking back, launching WalkTheWalk Talent remains the accomplishment he is most proud of. 

“The opportunity to build this company alongside Jordan while working with talented artists every day has been the most fulfilling chapter of my career,” he says. 

For current UCF students hoping to follow a similar path, his advice is simple: start creating. 

“Don’t wait for someone else to give you permission,” Walker says. “Create your own work, share it with audiences and continue building your skills. Taking initiative is one of the best ways to open doors in the entertainment industry.”