Marathon Live Acquired by Mark Dinerstein Consulting & JPB Partners

Marathon Live, a Nashville-based full-service facility promoter and operating company founded by Josh Billue, was acquired by Mark Dinerstein Consulting and JPB Partners, the companies announced today. Dinerstein will serve as chief executive officer of the organization, and Billue will remain with the company as chief development officer.

In addition to the transaction, Marathon Live announced that it will be launching a facility management division offering services for facilities with a 1,000-2,500 capacity. The services provided by the company include risk-based and non-risk talent buying, consultation, operations sponsorship, marketing, ticketing, production design, food and beverage operations, facility development, facility renovation and preservation.

Marathon Live operates six live music and event venues, including Marathon Music Works in Nashville, The Truman in Kansas City, Chattanooga’s The Signal, The Hall in Little Rock, The Hawthorn in St. Louis and Jacksonville’s FIVE, a recently renovated historic 1,250-cap theater that opened in May.

With capital from JPB Partners and Dinerstein’s leadership, the organization intends to continue expanding Marathon Live through the acquisition of existing buildings and nontraditional spaces that host live events. It also plans to renovate existing facilities and build new ones across North America.

“I am thrilled to join the Marathon Live team, work with a uniquely talented group and lead our network of owned and operated facilities into the next era of growth,” Dinerstein said in a statement. “We look forward to connecting with existing facilities looking to join our endeavor with both independent spirit and savvy business strategies to ensure their place in the entertainment and private events sector for generations to come.”

Dinerstein previously served as president of corporate development and co-founder of event producer LiveCo. He also previously worked with indie promoter Knitting Factory Presents as president and led the company in all areas of expansion for 13 years.

“In addition to facility acquisition, we intend to grow through ground-up construction and offer full-facilities management services aimed at the 1,000 – 2,500 capacity sector offering true partnership through shared ideals,” Dinerstein added.

Billue said the sale of Marathon Live “helps protect our thriving organization while rapidly accelerating my original vision of growth,” and his new role will allow him “to continue to focus on building new facilities for Marathon Live.”

Expansion is already underway with new projects from Marathon Live on the horizon, and Jim Bolduc, president and CEO of JPB Partners, sees the company’s “immense potential.”

“As a family office with a long-term vision, we see an exciting opportunity to support Mark and Josh through strategic consolidation and investment in customer-first platforms,” Bolduc said. “By backing operators who prioritize unforgettable audience moments from iconic venues, we believe Marathon Live has immense potential for growth and innovation.”