Innovation in the festival industry took a significant leap forward this month as Breakaway, the rapidly expanding music festival brand, welcomed entrepreneurs Shaun Neff and Nick Gross to its ownership group in a strategic move that promises to reshape the company’s future.
The announcement comes on the heels of Breakaway’s most successful season to date, with events spanning 12 U.S. cities and drawing record attendance figures throughout 2025.
Neff, who founded the eponymous action sports brand Neff Headwear, brings substantial brand-building expertise to Breakaway.
His track record includes high-profile collaborations with celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Kevin Durant, co-founding Beach House Group, and a successful exit from Sun Bum when it was acquired by SC Johnson in 2019.
As an investor and advisor to major corporations including Sony Electronics and Target, Neff’s understanding of consumer engagement strategies will be instrumental in Breakaway’s expansion.
Complementing Neff’s brand acumen, Gross enters the partnership with deep music industry credentials.
The founder of Gross Labs, a media and investment platform that includes record label Big Noise and edtech company Find Your Grind, Gross has managed global artists including Avril Lavigne and Machine Gun Kelly.
His ownership of Noise Nest Studios further solidifies his position at the intersection of music production and digital content innovation.
The strategic addition of these culture architects signals Breakaway’s ambition to transcend traditional festival models.
Following its largest season yet, the company aims to diversify into new event formats and lifestyle activations that engage audiences across multiple platforms while maintaining strong connections with artists, brands, and local communities.
The leadership duo is expected to leverage their experience to help artists create diverse income streams through merchandise sales, licensing opportunities, and digital content partnerships.
Both executives will likely implement social media advertising strategies to build stronger audience connections and maximize fan engagement across platforms.
Breakaway Carolina stands as the largest festival in the company’s history, showcasing the momentum that has positioned it for this new chapter of growth.
Co-founder and CEO Adam Lynn described the addition of these influential entrepreneurs as providing rocket fuel for the company’s continued growth and evolution beyond live events.
