In today's interconnected world, where cultural influence, commerce, and social advocacy converge, a new media venture is making its mark. Second Wind Media, co-founded by entrepreneur Joe Germanotta and marketing strategist Gabby Gabriel, is positioning itself at this dynamic intersection, aiming to reshape how stories are told and who gets to tell them.
A Partnership Forged in New York
The collaboration began when a publicist introduced Germanotta to Gabriel. With a robust background in global marketing, particularly across Asia, Gabriel was initially brought on to refine the strategy for Germanotta's Upper West Side restaurant, Joanne. Her innovative approach quickly revitalized the establishment's presence, demonstrating a keen understanding of modern engagement.
This successful trial run revealed a deeper creative alignment. "When it comes to business," Gabriel states, "I see business as activism." As an active LGBTQ+ advocate, she is driven by a mission to increase inclusive representation in media and business. "There isn't enough queer representation, and showing diverse faces helps people see themselves and dream bigger," she explains.
Germanotta's ethos, shaped through his family's Born This Way Foundation and the community-focused programming at Joanne, resonated powerfully. The restaurant regularly hosts drag shows, LGBTQ+ comedians, and queer artists, functioning as a live platform for visibility. This shared commitment to empowerment became the bedrock of Second Wind Media.
Building a Platform for the Spotlight
Balancing a bustling restaurant with a growing media company requires a dedicated team, which Germanotta credits for allowing him to focus on their new venture. "It's a business of eyeballs," he notes, acknowledging the fast-paced, attention-driven nature of the industry. For both founders, visibility is the essential currency.
Second Wind Media is already securing significant partnerships, including serving as the official media partner for the New York Television Festival this fall. The company also helped launch On Stage Essentials, a Las Vegas-based costume and performance supply shop co-founded by Germanotta's daughter, fashion designer Natali Germanotta Dolan.
Looking ahead, one of their most anticipated projects is a television show centered on the "emerging talent" showcases held weekly at Joanne. For Germanotta, this is more than entertainment; it's a direct pipeline to empower new voices. He often connects standout performers from the restaurant with vocal coaches and industry contacts, actively shaping careers beyond the stage.
This hands-on mentorship reflects a lifetime of experience. "Joe is probably one of the most experienced people in entertainment on the planet," Gabriel affirms, referencing his decades of work and his integral role in supporting his daughters' monumental careers: Natali, a successful fashion designer, and global icon Lady Gaga.
A Vision for Inclusive Success
When defining their ideal client, Germanotta is clear: "Emerging artists or new products that need business development and marketing." Gabriel adds with confidence, "Anyone who works with us is going to be successful." Their model blends Gabby's mantra that "entertainment is marketing and marketing is entertainment" with Joe's seasoned eye for talent.
With bold ideas and a genuine respect for fresh voices, Second Wind Media aspires to be more than a company—it aims to be a movement. In a media landscape that often overlooks diverse narratives, Joe Germanotta and Gabby Gabriel are building momentum for the artists and brands ready to lead. As the industry evolves, their mission ensures their clients don't just keep up; they set the pace.
Joanne, located at 70 W 68th St in New York City, remains the physical heart of this mission, a place where community and talent meet. The journey for Second Wind Media, as Germanotta optimistically puts it, is "a rocketship," and with their shared vision, this partnership is just beginning.
