Who Are We? (Meet the octiv.live Team)
Five dudes.
That's it. Five dudes. Running in a Sisyphean state on a giant hamster ball that powers octiv.live world headquarters.
Not really... Close, but not really.
The octiv.live team is a quintuple of very talented dudes with a common goal and a passion for live music. But without a face to put to the name, how would you know that?
Today we do our part to disprove dead-internet theory, showing that there are in-fact real human beings behind this whole shebang. So, let's get to know us!
Spoiler Alert: Yes, we're all ticklish, and yes, we all like long walks on the beach. (But not both at the same time...)
Jake Varner - Co-Founder
One half of octiv.live's founders, Jake was the one who had the lightbulb moment about the concept of octiv.live. Thank God he did, or else you wouldn't be reading this!
- College: University of Toledo
- Major: Information Technology and Masters of Business Administration
- Favorite band: Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Favorite album: Dr. Dre’s The Chronic
- Best concert you’ve ever been to: Morgan Wallen (in the front row!)
- Why you care about octiv.live: "I designed the original version of Octiv.live two name changes ago. I love live music, and most of my friends play in bands. I believe that we are designing a way to not only protect the artists and venues, but the live music industry as a whole. The more we can enable live music to be played, the more the industry benefits."
Jack Surtman - Co-Founder
The second half of octiv.live's founders, Jack brought a musicians perspective to Jake's concept and validated that there is in fact an octiv sized hole in the current market.
- College: University of Toledo
- Major: Mechanical Engineering Technology/Professional Sales
- Favorite band: Kings of Leon
- Favorite album: The Great American Bar Scene - Zach Bryan
- Best concert you’ve ever been to: Mt. Joy at Red Rocks
- Why you care about octiv.live: "I truly care about octiv because it is a game changing tool. As a current solo gigging musician and past rhythm guitar player in a band, the biggest setback has always been building connections and legitimacy. On octiv, you can make a name for yourself and break into the music scene in your community through browsing unique local venues and artists. The team behind this platform is passionate, driven, and ready to change the way we book live music!"
Liam McGuckin - VP, Development
Liam is our in-house development WIZARD. Liam has been an integral part of making sure this site not only works, but works well.
- College: Miami University
- Major: Computer Science
- Favorite band: Radiohead
- Favorite album: To Pimp A Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar
- Best concert you’ve ever been to: Lorde in Nashville
- Why you care about octiv.live: "When my kid sister was starting up her band, I saw her struggle trying to find a place to practice her craft because she didn’t know the right people or avenues that were gatekept by her local music scene. Thus, effectively blocking new performers trying to break into the scene. I’m constantly motivated by creating a space that will foster an accessible relationship for artists and venues to connect and make great music."
Daniel Condrich - VP, Business Development
This is me. I am the unreliable narrator behind this article. I've been playing guitar in bands my whole life, and try to infuse that insight into making octiv.live something that actively makes the lives of artists better.
- College: Ohio State University
- Major: Business Administration, Minor in English
- Favorite band: Queens of the Stone Age
- Favorite album: Frances the Mute - The Mars Volta
- Best concert you’ve ever been to: The first night of the 2025 Queens of the Stone Age Catacombs tour at the Chicago Theatre... Being one of the first few thousand people to hear "Spinning in Daffodils" played live during that tour is something I'll be annoying about for the rest of my life.
- Why you care about octiv.live: "Being a musician, octiv.live is something I would have killed for growing up. The ability to localize the booking experience to a single platform makes the lives of both artists and venues SO much easier. Making the booking process easier and more accessible helps local music scenes thrive, which is what I hope the lasting impact of octiv.live is."
Jack Schantz - VP, Sales
Jack is the latest addition to the octiv.live team, making octiv.live 40% Jack. Jack is the lead singer of Willow Run, and could sell ice to an eskimo.
- College: University of Toledo
- Major: Business Administration
- Favorite band: Treaty Oak Revival
- Favorite album: Sunburn - Dominic Fike
- Best concert you’ve ever been to: Parker McCollum at Red Rocks
- Why you care about octiv.live: "As an artist who’s booked shows, it’s a game changer. I love being a part of something with my friends that we’re all passionate about."