Meet Tom Gimbel | Co-Founder, Hi, How Are You Project

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tom Gimbel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tom, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
The nonprofit Hi, How Are You Project, inspired by the work of musician Daniel Johnston, is a mental health initiative focused on spreading awareness and providing mental wellness education for young people ages 14-24. Through a variety of programs and activities, the organization aims to make a positive impact on the community and the world by promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and offering resources to those in need.

One of the primary ways in which the Hi, How Are You Project helps the community is by raising awareness about mental health issues. Mental health is a critical but often overlooked aspect of overall well-being, and the organization works to shine a spotlight on the importance of mental health and the challenges faced by individuals dealing with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. By organizing events, campaigns, and educational initiatives, the Hi, How Are You Project aims to start conversations about mental health and encourage people to seek help when needed.

In addition to raising awareness, the Hi, How Are You Project also plays a crucial role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Stigma and discrimination are significant barriers that prevent many individuals from seeking the help they need, and the organization works tirelessly to challenge misconceptions and promote a more inclusive and understanding attitude towards mental health issues. By sharing stories of hope, recovery, and resilience, the Hi, How Are You Project helps to break down stereotypes and create a more supportive environment for those struggling with mental health challenges.

Another way in which the Hi, How Are You Project helps the community is by promoting self-care and well-being through various initiatives and programs. The organization recognizes the importance of taking care of one’s mental health and offers resources and tools to help individuals prioritize their well-being. From mindfulness workshops and self-care tips to online resources and support networks, the Hi, How Are You Project empowers people to take control of their mental health and make positive choices that promote overall wellness.

Furthermore, the Hi, How Are You Project fosters a sense of community and connection among individuals struggling with mental health issues. Through events, social media campaigns, and outreach efforts, the organization brings people together to share their experiences, offer support, and build a network of understanding and compassion. By creating a sense of belonging and solidarity, the Hi, How Are You Project helps to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness that often accompany mental health challenges, fostering a sense of hope and camaraderie among those in need. This is especially important for young people who are often focused on social media rather than true “in person” connection.

Overall, the Hi, How Are You Project plays a vital role in promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and providing support to individuals in need. By raising awareness, challenging stereotypes, offering resources, promoting self-care, and fostering community, the organization makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health issues. Through its dedication to spreading a message of hope, healing, and inclusivity, the Hi, How Are You Project helps to create a more supportive and understanding world for everyone, one conversation at a time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a founding partner of the new Story Entertainment, Inc. as well as the co-founder of the Hi, How Are You Project.

Prior to forming Story Entertainment, I simultaneously served as the General Manager of the Austin PBS television show Austin City Limits and President of Austin City Limits Enterprises for 12 years. In addition to overseeing operations for the production of the “ACL” television show, I also managed all partner relationships with the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the award-winning ACL Live at The Moody Theater live music venue and the Austin City Limits Radio station. During my tenure as General Manager, Austin City Limits was the recipient of a prestigious Peabody Award for “institutional excellence in television.”

Before joining Austin City Limits in early 2011, my thirty-year music industry career has included roles in independent marketing, indie and major record labels, and artist management. From 1995 – 2005, I held senior executive positions with Arista Records where I guided successful sales and marketing campaigns for Grammy Award winning and multi-platinum sales certified artists such as Santana, Outkast, Pink, Dido, Whitney Houston, Puff Daddy, TLC, Usher, Toni Braxton, Carly Simon, Annie Lennox and Sarah McLachlan.

In 2005, I founded and served as President of High Wire Music Management, an independent management, label services, and music distribution company with a roster of more than 30 client artists. I also founded and served as CEO of Clatterhead, Inc., a social media advertising and marketing company.

As an artist manager, I have represented the late legendary underground musician and artist Daniel Johnston for more than 30 years.

In 2017, my wife Courtney Blanton and I co-founded the Hi How Are You Project – a non-profit organization dedicated to mental health awareness and education for young people ages 14 – 24.

I believe that if, you’re doing something that you love, that it’s not really “work.” That doesn’t mean it will be easy but if you’re working in a field that you are passionate about – which, for me, is music – then the hours and the challenges are certainly more manageable…or even enjoyable!

One lesson that I learned early on in the music business is to treat everyone with kindness and respect. I attended an album release event for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Carlos Santana. Carlos commented that “God made the world round so all of us could be center stage.” I thought that was a profound way of saying that everyone deserves to be treated well regardless of whether you’re the artist on the stage, the manager behind the scenes, or the person taking tickets. That lesson goes hand-in-hand with another old entertainment industry adage – “treat people well when you’re on your way up because they’ll remember that when you’re on your way down.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the Houston, TX area for a week-long trip, I would make sure to show them the best that this vibrant city has to offer. Here’s a suggested itinerary for an unforgettable time in Houston:

**Day 1:**
– **Morning:** Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Common Bond Café & Bakery for some tasty pastries and coffee.
– **Late Morning:** Visit the Space Center Houston to explore the wonders of space and NASA’s history.
– **Lunch:** Enjoy a Tex-Mex feast at El Tiempo Cantina for some authentic Houston flavors.
– **Afternoon:** Head to the Museum District and visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, to admire world-class art collections.
– **Evening:** Have dinner at The Pit Room for mouthwatering Texas barbecue.

**Day 2:**
– **Morning:** Have brunch at Tiny Boxwoods for a delightful outdoor dining experience.
– **Late Morning:** Explore the Houston Zoo and marvel at the diverse wildlife.
– **Lunch:** Grab some seafood at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen for a taste of Gulf Coast cuisine.
– **Afternoon:** Stroll through Hermann Park and rent a pedal boat on McGovern Lake.
– **Evening:** Enjoy drinks and live music at Axelrad Beer Garden, a popular outdoor hangout spot.

**Day 3:**
– **Morning:** Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Blacksmith for artisanal coffee and delicious dishes.
– **Late Morning:** Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science to learn about dinosaurs, gems, and more.
– **Lunch:** Try some Vietnamese pho at Pho Binh Heights for a flavorful meal.
– **Afternoon:** Explore the street art in the vibrant neighborhood of East Downtown (EaDo).
– **Evening:** Have dinner at Xochi for upscale Oaxacan cuisine by acclaimed chef Hugo Ortega.

**Day 4:**
– **Morning:** Indulge in a Southern-style brunch at The Breakfast Klub for famous chicken and waffles.
– **Late Morning:** Take a trip to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for a taste of Texan culture.
– **Lunch:** Enjoy some delicious Texan BBQ at Killen’s Barbecue in Pearland.
– **Afternoon:** Head to the Menil Collection to explore its impressive art collection and unique architecture.
– **Evening:** Have dinner at Caracol for upscale Mexican seafood dishes.

**Day 5-7:**
– For the remaining days, I would recommend exploring different neighborhoods like Montrose, Rice Village, and The Heights for unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences.
– Check out local breweries like Saint Arnold Brewing Company and 8th Wonder Brewery for craft beer tastings.
– Enjoy live music at venues like White Oak Music Hall and House of Blues Houston.
– Relax and unwind at Buffalo Bayou Park or take a stroll along the Water Wall in the Galleria area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to send my shoutout to the legendary Daniel Johnston, a true inspiration for his unwavering dedication to creating art and music despite battling his own mental health challenges. Your raw talent, authenticity, and vulnerability have touched the hearts of countless fans around the world, showcasing the power of creativity as a form of healing and self-expression.

Your willingness to share your innermost thoughts and emotions through your music has broken down barriers and connected with people on a profound level, reminding us all of the universal language of art. Your courage in confronting your struggles openly has inspired others to embrace their own vulnerabilities and find strength in creativity.

Thank you, Daniel Johnston, for showing us that art knows no boundaries and that our struggles can fuel our greatest creations. Your legacy lives on through your music – and the Hi, How Are You Project – and serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating their own mental health journeys. Your authenticity and passion continue to inspire artists and creatives to fearlessly share their unique voices with the world.

Website: https://www.hihowareyou.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hihowareyouproject/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/66296158/admin/feed/posts/

Twitter: https://x.com/hihowareyouproj

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hihowareyouproject/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/hihowareyouproject

Other: https://kutx.org/episodes/my-kutx-hi-how-are-you-project-tom-gimbel/

Image Credits
Paramount Theatre photo courtesy the Hi, How Are You Project.