Jacob Tell is a communications expert helping businesses grow through storytelling and technology.

Specializing in positioning premiere entertainment, lifestyle, and consumer brands, Jacob’s expertise in high-level marketing strategy blends creative insight with tech-driven solutions. With a background in film and politics, Jacob seeks world-changing solutions for positive, creative individuals and organizations. He has a deep appreciation for nature and a commitment to advancing human ecology, supporting forward-thinking environmental and political leaders while merging artistry and science.

In 2001, before Wi-Fi, social networks, and smartphones, Jacob co-founded Oniracom as a student at UCSB. Oniracom operates on his vision for positive and lasting change, continuously evolving digital solutions in the ever-changing tech and new media landscape. Partners such as Jack Johnson, Santa Barbara Bowl, Warner Music, Topspin, Universal, SONOS, and others trust Oniracom to produce authentic stories that rapidly increase brand growth and awareness.

With a comprehensive background in branding, digital marketing, and e-commerce, Jacob expanded his work into the music industry as merchandise coordinator for Jack Johnson. Touring the world, he learned about the music industry, international trade, and business operations. In 2005, he began managing artist Matthew McAvene and released an album under his own label, Oniric Records. Jacob also produced the sold-out Solutions for Dreamers Festival in 2007, featuring Michael Franti & Spearhead, Jack Johnson, ALO, and others, marking the beginning of many events focused on music, entrepreneurship, and community building.

As a natural progression, Jacob opened Oniracom to collaborate with lifestyle and CPG brands, continuing to support nonprofits. With the legalization of cannabis in Colorado in 2014 and California in 2016, Oniracom adapted its expertise to the growing cannabis industry, focusing on CBD and THC-based products.

In 2020, Jacob launched LoDo Studios, a vibrant creative space that was born out of the pandemic and has become a hub for community events and creative projects. LoDo Studios hosts events that blend music, art, and community engagement, providing a versatile venue for everything from concerts to workshops. Through District216, his psychedelic social club, Jacob connects individuals to transformative experiences that promote personal growth, community-building, and healing. LoDo Studios serves as the physical anchor for District216’s events, offering an expansive, welcoming environment for like-minded individuals to explore consciousness and creativity in new ways.

Jacob is an active speaker, contributing to panels, Q&A sessions, and industry-focused events. He has served on several boards and continues to invest in the Santa Barbara community, championing initiatives that align with his values of creativity, community, and positive change.

Specialties: Strategic Thinking & Synthesis; Brand Strategy; COMMUNITY BUILDING; Marketing Strategy; EVENT PRODUCTION; Translation of Business Plan to Web; Workflow & Processes Analysis; Idea Structuring; Music Industry Consulting; Cannabis Industry Consulting; PSYCHEDELICS INDUSTRY CONSULTING.

Community Environmental Council

The CEC Partnership Council is comprised of influential and successful business and community leaders who actively champion CEC’s mission. By guiding, networking, advocating, and fundraising for our effort to move the Santa Barbara region away from fossil fuels, the Partnership Council inspires confidence in our work and connects us with people who can make a difference.

FORMER: TEDx Santa Barbara

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

FORMER: UCSB's All Gaucho Reunion Committee Member

UC Santa Barbara's Alumni Association produces the All Gaucho Reunion each April on campus, inviting back alumni, their friends & families, and the Santa Barbara community at large.  Jacob is a marketing partner of the All Gaucho Reunion.

FORMER: StartupSB Board Member

StartupSB's mission is to build a stronger business ecosystem on the central coast by providing connectivity and resources.  Join us in the building the Santa Barbara Startup Community.

FORMER: Santa Barbara High School MAD Academy Board Member

The Multimedia Arts and Design Academy is a distinctive educational community within Santa Barbara High School.  MAD prepares students for college and the workplace by providing both traditional and interdisciplinary project-based learning in the evolving field of media arts and technology.  The Academy’s collaborative environment emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, meaningful community service and the development of leadership skills.