Joseph Martin

Opportunity does not often knock on the door, but when it does one must be prepared to open. Joseph Martin was prepared and now he works as the executive assistant to one of the biggest names in Hollywood.

Martin, 22, was once just a small town Liberal Arts major at the University of Mississippi. He began as a pre-med student and quickly switched to the music school once he realized he had a passion for music ministry. Martin says the God placed him in the music school to lead him to former President of William Morris talent agency, Sam Haskell.

“I took the Sigma Chi house mother out to eat one night last may while I was studying for exams. We went to Newks and Sam and his wife we there,” Martin recalls upon his first time meeting Haskell.

At the time, Martin was a bartender and waiter at the restaurant 208 on the square. Martin waited on Haskell several times. Around the fourth meeting, Haskell asked Martin if he would like to have breakfast. During the breakfast meeting, Haskell asked Martin to replace his executive assistant who was leaving. Martin readily accepted and so began a glorious relationship.

As Executive Assisstant, Martin helps Haskell run his busy life. He takes all of Haskell’s calls and emails as well as books his itinerary. Martin in also in charge of booking Haskell’s flights, hotels, and transportation to various events.

Recently, Haskell has published a memoir titled Promises I Made to My Mother. The autobiography is about his life growing up in Amory, Miss. and how his mother shaped him as he rose to the big time in Hollywood. Martin drives Haskell to states that are nearby while Haskell is on his book tour. So Haskell has visited every state and 115 different cities for his tour. Haskell has made no money off of his book. Every penny is donated to charities and schools.

“Just because he is retired, doesn’t mean he gets to relax. Everyone wants him to come speak at events and fundraisers. For every event Haskell attends, he donates money to the cause.

Haskell is also in charge of the Duke of Edinburgh program that helps troubled kids get back to a better life. He is on the board of Sigma Chi, the Boy Scouts of America and is also the Chairman of Miss America. This year, Martin attended the pageant and escorted the final 5 contestants on stage as the results were revealed.

“Joseph is such an amazing guy. He works hard and I could not think of a better person for such a good thing to have happened to him,” said Douglas Strahan, a good friend of Martin.

While working full time for Haskell, Joseph is taking a year off of school. Even being so busy, he still finds time to lead the band at The Orchard, a local church in Oxford. He also writes his own music.

“I’ve been friends with Jospeh since high school. We both started Evangelical Christian School in the eleventh grade. He was so nice to me and made me feel like I wasn’t all alone being the new kid,” said Dare Harcourt, a friend of Martin, “he really cares about people.”

Martin is unsure of where the future will take him. Next year, he will finish school and then possibly move to Los Angeles to work for William Morris. One thing is for sure: when you work for Sam Haskell, a plethora of opportunities will open up for you.

A wise man once said, “If your eyes are open opportunities will come. Any one can be given a key to opportunity. The real success is what you do once you walk through the door.”

Sources:

Joseph Martin 662-316-5322

Dare Harcourt 901-634-7089

Douglas Strahan 601-842-6906