About the Agency
Our Story
Two Decades of Excellence
Since 1998, our team of industry professionals have been working on all sides of the camera and helping to build personal brands with a foundation that lasts. Our experience spans from acting and modeling to commercial production, social media content creation, event planning, brand development, hair & makeup, photography, and indie film production.
You Were Born To Do This. Rise Up.
Founded by visionary entrepreneur Ryan Rydell right here in heart of the Midwest, Phoenix Talent began with a powerful mission: to give up and coming talent the tools, access, training, and connections they need to achieve their full potential. Gaining proper representation is normally considered out of reach for new talent.
Our commitment to you is that you'll never again have to think of yourself as "too early", or "too young", or "too green". With us on your side, you can approach each opportunity with confidence, knowing that each step is the right one.
Our goal is simple - build your career without making you feel like you sold out!
What We Stand For
Mission & Values
We believe in professionalism, diversity, and integrity - values that guide every decision as we uplift talent and deliver excellence to every brand we work with - all while helping our roster develop their career.
Authenticity
We celebrate unique beauty and individuality, empowering our talent to shine as their true selves in ways they never knew possible.
Diversity
Our roster reflects the beautiful diversity of the world, representing all backgrounds and identities with respect.
Excellence
We maintain the highest standards in talent development, client service, and industry ethics so you know you're on the right team.
Leadership
Meet the Team
Ryan Rydell
founder
Anna Luster
talent partner
Cynthia Stone
talent partner
Nicolas Role
photographer
Anna Luster
public relations manager
Cynthia Stone
videographer
Our Founder's Story
It's 1998. I'm 17 years old.
I've spent a lot of time on stage. Singing, acting, performing - all the things. A traveling improv group comes to my town, and I get a honor to perform with them a few times.
They offer me a job - traveling the nation entertaining people with comedic improv skills. The dream job for an extroverted young adult.
I turned it down.
Why? Because I was afraid. No one around me had done anything like this. No one with any experience or advice to push me forward.
The regret set in quick. So I did it myself - started small. I booked brand ambassador gigs, did some TV hosting jobs, kept performing on stage (acting & singing) - all small stuff locally.
Then I started a family - 3 kids before I was 24 years old. A good life, but not the one I walked away from. But I did create a new skill set in marketing & design.
That turned into RyCOM Agency, which developed into the 8 brands and 3 charities that I run today. The connections I made through my agency work (as a producer, director, editor, photographer, and writer) brought me back in - the network of professionals that gave me the resources and confidence to do what I love - on the other side of the camera.
Now, after years of working on some of the worst film sets, and some of the biggest brands, I'm taking what I've learned (and created) - and giving it back to today's great up & coming talent.
You were born for this.
Rise up.
Connecting rising models, actors, creators, and speakers with the brands, tools, resources, and bookings to launch a successful career.
Have Questions
Quick Links
Copyright 2026. Phoenix Media Group. All Rights Reserved.