Gilmore Entertainment

Corporate Team

Calvin Gilmore / Founder

Gilmore is a known leader in the entertainment industry, his exceptionally high standard for musical talent and production quality has been recognized not only by the industry but also the public. The impressive variety of live music shows in Myrtle Beach can be traced back to Gilmore and his singular vision that first-rate entertainment could thrive along the Grand Strand. Gilmore performs regularly in The Carolina Opry and has performed on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry many times.

For more background on Calvin Gilmore, visit his artist page.

David Olive / President

The leader of Gilmore Entertainment’s corporate team and trusted advisor to Calvin Gilmore, David is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the business. From Butler, Missouri, and raised around his family’s lakefront resort at the lake of the Ozarks, you could say he has a lifetime of hospitality experience. David later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Missouri Valley College and went into the insurance industry, where he was soon promoted to Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the company. During this time, David met and became friends with Calvin Gilmore. Sharing a passion for music, the two formed a gospel band called Lighthouse, which toured in the Midwest. In 1991, David joined the company to assist with the construction phase of the current Carolina Opry Theater and, when the theater opened in 1992, David was promoted to company president.

Jeffrey Gilmore / Senior Vice President, Production Director

Jeff came by his production abilities naturally, having grown up in and around the business. Eight years old when his family opened The Carolina Opry, Jeff’s first job at the theater was carrying ice to the concession stand! Mentored by his father, Jeff developed an interest in the production side of the business, particularly sound and video. After receiving his degree from Columbia College of Chicago, he officially joined the company in 2004 beginning his career with the company at Tribute! and soon moving to the flagship theater. Jeff is the Senior Vice President in charge of Production and the show director.

Jordan Watkins / Senior Vice President, Marketing Director

Jordan also grew up in the business, inheriting her family’s creativity and love of music. Four years old when the theater opened, she often “produced” her own version of the show in her living room at home with close family friends, David Olive’s children. Mentored by her mother, Jordan’s real interest was in the marketing, design and public relations aspects of the company. Watkins graduated from Clemson University, continued her education in Graphic Design and Publishing at the Savannah College of Art and Design and officially joined the company in 2005. Today, Watkins oversees all of Gilmore Entertainment’s marketing activities.

Richard Scott / General Manager, Director of Sales

Joining the company as a parking attendant in 1986, Richard has encountered and tackled every situation that live theater management can throw at you. Over the years, Richard continued to climb the ranks and has become a vital component of the Gilmore Entertainment team and a trusted company expert. Scott serves on the company’s Marketing Committee and is responsible for overseeing the Group Sales, Hotel Sales, Corporate Sales and IT departments. Scott received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University.

Alisa Lunsford / Accounting Manager

A native of Georgetown, SC, Alisa graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a degree in accounting and joined the Gilmore Entertainment team in 1990. Alisa has enjoyed the challenge of working with an entertainment company and the unusual situations that sometimes arise. She remembers one occasion in the hectic early years when she needed a signature from Calvin on a document, but it was during showtime. Her creative solution was to go through the autograph line at intermission, with the document folded into a Spotlight Magazine, (the theater showbill)! Alisa is now a 27-year veteran of the company and holds the title of Accounting Manager.

Caitlin West / Group Sales Manager

Caitlin has been with The Carolina Opry Theater since 2017. She is originally from Ohio, but you would never be able to tell from her Southern Accent! Growing up as a Pastor’s daughter, she lived in several different areas of South Carolina before settling down by the beach once and for all. Her favorite things to do are get crafty, watch classic musicals, and spend time with her family. Her favorite place to be is by the water and you’ll often find her curled up with a good book. And don’t get her started on her love of good food (especially steak and potatoes)!

Katie Shuler / In-Market Sales

Originally from Darlington, South Carolina, Katie joined Gilmore Entertainment in 2004 as Operation Manager for Tribute the Concert. She came to us after many years of vocal and instrumental performance and several years working at Darlington International Raceway. Events, sales, and live music were the trifecta of the perfect job as described by Katie. Katie is responsible for our resort, hotel, and advertising partners. Katie credits Richard Scott for showing her the ropes in operations, photography, customer service, and sales. Katie has a degree in Psychology and claims to use it daily as she works with the public. At age 9, Katie saw The Carolina Opry for the first time and heard Bogey sing “Born in East Conway” and knew then that she wanted to work at the theater. Dreams do come true!