Inspiring Conversations with Amanda Morneault of The Harbor Agency

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Morneault.

Hi Amanda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Amanda Morneault. I am a mother of two boys and the owner of The Harbor Agency, a booking and event production company located in beautiful Portsmouth, NH.

I began working for a local audio company back in 2011 where I was going out with crews, setting up PA systems for full band shows, and dabbling in the sales department. Being in these venues and feeling the rush of energy and excitement from the crowd was very attractive to me. After one sound system installation, I was asked by a venue if I would be interested in booking bands, something I had never done before and an opportunity I could not refuse. In the beginning, I devoted a lot of time to learning as much as possible about the industry. Over the years, I gained experience from buyer friends from Vermont, to New Jersey, and down to Nashville. I would not be where I am today without their guidance. Three short years later, in 2013, I opened The Harbor Agency. Depending on the time of year, we are now booking up to 130 shows per month.

I am able to work from home and be there for my boys, while also building this career that I always dreamed of. It’s something for myself, something I can be proud of. Working with these dedicated artists and venues every day is a gift, and the reason I love my job!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly has not been an easy road, with balancing personal struggles like divorce, being a single mom, and the feeling of having to be everything for everyone. 2020 brought its own challenges, as it did for so many of us, but having to give up my work for another profession was not something I was willing to consider.

I have learned to feel the fear and trust in my abilities. If I want something I am going to go get it.

I like to describe the journey as a drive to the backwoods of Maine. You start out on the interstate, heading north, and the road is clear and smooth, with only a bit of traffic. Then you hit the back roads, which can be bumpy and unpredictable. But then you reach your destination – a beautiful lake and a home filled with happiness. It makes the trip well worth it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Harbor Agency specializes in entertainment booking and event production. We work as both booking agents for the artists and as a talent buyer for multiple venues. We also do a lot of work with the larger agencies in Nashville to bring national acts to many of our New England clients.

We have surrounded ourselves with a strong team of go-to pros, from audio to ticketing and promotional companies, which enables us to provide a full-service agency to artists and venues. Our reputation – in terms of our professionalism and the ability to deliver – is what we are most proud of. We don’t advertise our services; all of our clients are referral-based.

We love bringing Nashville artists to New England and would encourage musicians who are looking to travel to reach out to us. Supporting the music community is what keeps us going.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Time spent with my family is at the root of all of my favorite childhood memories. From skiing in the mountains of New Hampshire to time spent on our lake in Maine, and everything in between. My heart is filled with gratitude.

Contact Info:

• Email: amanda@theharboragency.com
• Website: www.theharboragency.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theharboragency/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHarborAgency

Image Credits
Alyssa Duncan Photography