Sean Watterson

Co-Owner, The Happy Dog

Education: Juris doctor, Case Western Reserve University School of Law; bachelor’s degree, Williams College

How I Approach My Day: I wear a lot of hats, but all music and live entertainment related. On the business side, it’s Happy Dog, or D Tour — a national collaborative of independent venues and promoters I co-founded. On the advocacy side, it’s the National Independent Venue Association, NIVA’s Ohio chapter or the Cleveland Independent Venue Association.

What Success Looks Like to Me: A happy team that feels comfortable using their creativity to make life inside and outside of work better

What Would Surprise Someone to Learn About Me: I was a lawyer at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of International Affairs, working on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing before moving back home to do the Happy Dog.

Outside of Work You’ll Find Me: In the vegetable garden, getting outwitted by rabbits

A Cleveland Spot I Recommend: I’m partial to the Happy Dog, but we have a bunch of great independent, locally owned live music and comedy venues around town.