Looks like you have JavaScript disabled. For the full Twine experience, you will need to re-enable it.

I'm an entrepreneur and marketing professional with 15+ years across hospitality management, event production, and business operations. I have a proven track record of building ventures from the ground up, forging partnerships under pressure, and driving meaningful community engagement. Today, I lead a neighborhood-focused social media agency in Chicago, leveraging AI tools and content strategy to help local businesses thrive while I pursue a Business Administration degree.…I'm an entrepreneur and marketing professional with 15+ years across hospitality management, event production, and business operations. I have a proven track record of building ventures from the ground up, forging partnerships under pressure, and driving meaningful community engagement. Today, I lead a neighborhood-focused social media agency in Chicago, leveraging AI tools and content strategy to help local businesses thrive while I pursue a Business Administration degree.

James McClain

Marketer, Social Media Manager, Brand Strategist, +2





I'm an entrepreneur and marketing professional with 15+ years across hospitality management, event production, and business operations. I have a proven track record of building ventures from the ground up, forging partnerships under pressure, and driving meaningful community engagement. Today, I lead a neighborhood-focused social media agency in Chicago, leveraging AI tools and content strategy to help local businesses thrive while I pursue a Business Administration degree.…I'm an entrepreneur and marketing professional with 15+ years across hospitality management, event production, and business operations. I have a proven track record of building ventures from the ground up, forging partnerships under pressure, and driving meaningful community engagement. Today, I lead a neighborhood-focused social media agency in Chicago, leveraging AI tools and content strategy to help local businesses thrive while I pursue a Business Administration degree.

Available to hire

I’m an entrepreneur and marketing professional with 15+ years across hospitality management, event production, and business operations. I have a proven track record of building ventures from the ground up, forging partnerships under pressure, and driving meaningful community engagement.

Today, I lead a neighborhood-focused social media agency in Chicago, leveraging AI tools and content strategy to help local businesses thrive while I pursue a Business Administration degree.

Skills

Copywriting

Brand Identity

Social Media Design

Experience Level

Copywriting

Expert

Brand Identity

Expert

Social Media Design

Expert

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Founder & Principal at Northside Social

January 1, 2025 - Present

Launched neighborhood-focused social media management agency serving Edgewater and Andersonville small businesses. Driving client acquisition through direct pitch outreach and local business relationship development.

Founder & Resale Operator at Kindred Kollectibles

January 1, 2022 - Present

Built and operate a multi-platform resale business across eBay, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace — 3+ years continuous operation. Manage full business lifecycle: sourcing, pricing, listing optimization, customer service, and fulfillment. Applied AI and automation tools to streamline inventory management and listing workflows.

Founder & Independent Event Producer at Loaded Events

January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023

Produced 30+ live events per year over two years (60+ total) — managed artist booking, contract negotiation, marketing, design, and day-of operations end to end.

Founder & Organizer at Held Together Mental Health Awareness

January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022

Founded nonprofit running community events in Chicago and Nashville; designed merchandise, managed all marketing and logistics.

Bar Manager & Hospitality Professional at Various Chicago Establishments

January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2023

15 years bartending and private event execution in high-volume Chicago venues; 5 years in bar management overseeing staff, operations, and P&L. Youngest appointee to assistant manager role in regional Oberweis operations. Developed and marketed events and promotions that drove measurable revenue growth and repeat patronage.