OUR STORY
Founded in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1987, we are a strong family known for our make-it-happen mindset, integrity, passion, and charitable endeavors. Our People First approach represents an employee- and client-focused culture founded on hard work and unrelenting commitment to excellence in event production. This approach inspires our team and our clients to craft events that make an impact with each and every experience, gaining us recognition as one of the Top 50 Event Companies in the country by Special Events Magazine, and one of the Top 100 Promotion and Integrated Marketing Agencies by Promo Magazine.
CSM PRODUCTION THROUGH THE YEARS
(On mobile? Timeline not loading? Click here for a text version of the timeline!)
-
1987
The first chapter of the CSM Production Story was written in Founder and CEO Jay Howard's basement based on a dream of "Dog & Pony" success. Jay Howard Events was born.
-
1988
Jay Howard Events built our inaugural project for our first client; the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C.
-
1989
The first spectacle of what is now known as the All-Star Race Driver Introductions.
-
1993
Jay Howard Events was placed in charge of game operations for the Charlotte Checkers of Minor League Hockey, working 40 nights a year in what was then known as Independence Arena.
-
1996
JHE began managing the 600 Festival Association, producing the annual "Speed Street" event.
JHE named the pre-game and halftime producer for the NFL's Carolina Panthers.
JHE moves from Jay's basement into its first office on Morehead Road in Concord, N.C. -
1999
JHE was named producers of the opening ceremonies for "The Great American Race," the Daytona 500.
-
2001
Chosen by the Indy Racing League as producers of the opening ceremonies for the IndyCar Season.
-
2002
Jay Howard Events becomes JHE Production Group, and moves into its first purpose-built facility.
-
2003
Produced the 100th Anniversary of Flight, a six-day event at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, N.C, for the National Park Service and State of North Carolina.
-
2004
Executed a 38-week tour featuring live SPEED Network Programming from NASCAR venues around the country.
Ushered in a new era of the NEXTEL All-Star Race opening ceremony production with national television exposure. -
2006
JHE Production Group designed, promoted and produced the inaugural NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge, the sport's version of the MLB Home Run Derby or NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The event would go on to sell out attendance in 2011 and 2012.
-
2007
JHE Production Group moved into its second, and current, purpose-built facility in Harrisburg, N.C. just in time to accommodate the expansion brought on by the NEXTEL Experience, a second 38-week tour activated on the NASCAR midway.
-
2008
JHE Production Group produced our first major live event for the new title sponsor of NASCAR's premier racing series, the Sprint Cup Series All-Star Race, held at nearby Charlotte Motor Speedway.
-
2010
Designer and producer of "The Ultimate Driver Tell All" in Las Vegas, a live stage show featuring the top drivers from NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series.
The inaugural year of JHE Production's golf charity event, benefitting a cause close to the JHE Family. -
2013
Designer, producer and promoter of a top-tier automobile showcase, the Pinehurst Concours d'Elegance, at the Home of American Golf in Pinehurst, N.C.
Managed a 16-week college football tour promoting the launch of FOX Sports 1. -
2014
JHE Acquired Total Event Production, which launched the company's corporate event production department.
-
2015
Began working with Wake Forest University on a number of major events, across the campus and beyond, helping Wake Forest exceed their fundraising campaign goals.
-
2016
JHE Production Group was acquired by CSM, a global leader in sport and entertainment, and was renamed CSM Production.
With that acquisition came the opportunity to partner with sister company, JMI, to manage a mobile hospitality program at every Verizon Indycar Event, known as the Paddock Club. -
2018
As the impact of the CSM family continued to grow, we welcomed new and diverse opportunities with some great partners including the USTA, USOC, USGA, World Wrestling Entertainment, Coca-Cola, and Barstool Sports.
-
2021
CSM Production further strengthened our relationship with NASCAR by winning the business for production of the annual NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2022.