2025 Impact 50 Honoree: Michael Smardak

MICHAEL SMARDAK
CO-CEO
Outback Presents

PREVIOUS JOB: ”Taught tennis lessons at West Springfield Country Club.”
LIFE CHANGING CONCERT? ”Bruce Springsteen the first time he played the Capital Centre.”

When surveying the industry about economic uncertainty or volatility in the marketplace, it’s important to remember that sort of thing comes with the territory, especially for those on the promoter side of the equation — and may even be part of the attraction in the first place.

“As a promoter we are inherently always taking risks, and as an independent promoter so much of our identity and business model relies on the ability to adapt and overcome,” says Michael Smardak, co-CEO of Outback Presents, one of a select group of U.S. indies promoting full concert tours independently. “We have witnessed the far reaching impact of industry volatility and consumer buying trends over the last 30 years and draw upon history and data to make informed decisions. Having good business relationships helps to mitigate risk and allows us to take chances that others wouldn’t.”

Outback Presents continues to make moves and expand, finding continued success in comedy in particular, including Nate Bargatze and Shane Gillis, who continue to break attendance records on tour.

“Nikki Glaser will headline her first arena shows this fall and we are thrilled to witness her meteoric rise and impact on the industry,” he says, also noting John Michael Montgomery’s final show ever, at Lexington’s Rupp Arena on Dec. 5.

Smardak says family is important to Outback Presents, and mentions daughters Sasha graduating high school and Kristina entering her senior year at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

“I can only hope to lead by example and the culture of trust and morals we have developed at Outback Presents helps employees to also prioritize their home life,” he says.

To that end, Smardak is also proud of philanthropic efforts including being the title sponsor of the Human Rights Campaign Nashville Dinner, raising nearly $100,000 for the Nashville Predators Foundation, and co-hosting Let’s Talk Nashville benefitting pediatric cancer and immunotherapy research at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.