The Heavy Hitters of Comedy is a social and professional networking community for Comedians, Club Managers, Comedy Bookers, Agents, Talent Managers and the Fans of comedy. We are committed to becoming the leading networking and promotions website for the comedy industry as well as a resource for the industry professionals and fans. We offer a variety of online tools and features as well as professional website and graphic development services. We are the complete package.

Our mission is to create a professional and social networking community for comedians, industry professionals and fans of comedy. Providing online tools and resources necessary for the comedian to better market, develop, manage and promote their careers successfully.

Mike Casentini

Mike Casentini is an accomplished Internet entrepreneur developing and managing websites for over 15 years. Mike has personally produced over 100 websites for individuals and businesses around the world. His design company, Mike Casentini Design, has developed sites for a variety of individuals in the entertainment industry, like John Ratzenberger, Bryan Callen, Jimmy Shubert, Tom McGillen, Orny Adams, Greg Fitzsimmons, and Jay Leggett just to name a few.

In the mid 90’s, Mike began MuzicTone, an online store featuring garage bands and their music. The website was ahead of its time, allowing users to plug directly into their own website an embedded shopping cart. We also provided distribution services and digital downloads.

In 2006, Mike founded his own film production company called My Fault Films, which was recognized by the Emmy organization for its production of the short film “LOST: My Car Key” a 2007 Emmy selection for the broadband category.

Mike is a stand-up comedian and improvisation actor. He has been performing stand-up comedy since 2001 and is a graduate of the Second City in Los Angeles. He is a scholar of comedy and extremely detail oriented. His goal is to create a destination that all comedians find useful and informative and ultimately can get them work.

Damien Thomas

Damien Thomas is one of those rare individuals who have an uncanny ability to continually educate themselves. With humble origins at the help desk, Damien has amassed an impressive knowledge base, rising to senior systems administrator at such companies as Herbalife and Emtek Products Inc. Damien’s vast experience in code language PHP, and Database creation and management, allows him to implement the Heavy Hitters of Comedy’s creative designs, and dynamic components that create an interactive virtual experience for our members.

A native of the city of angels Damien’s no nonsense L.A. attitude is complimented by his laid back Hawaiian demeanor. Every experience is an opportunity to grow for this industrious member of our Heavy Hitters Team. Having ascended within large corporations and Mom and Pop companies alike, Damien determined it was time to liberate himself creatively, and apply his skills and attributes to something he was passionate about. A life long fan of Comedy from the first time he saw Eddie Murphy perform, Damien came on board with the Heavy Hitters of Comedy after establishing himself in the Comedy industry by working with Mike Casentini on Comedians’ websites. One thing is for sure, with Damien involved, the Heavy Hitters of Comedy will always be on the cutting edge of technology.

Deb Ludewig

Deborah J. Ludewig founded DJL Corporate Law in March 2008. Deborah practiced law during the last 17 years at several large law firms based in Silicon Valley and has been a partner at K&L Gates, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman and Cooley Godward. She has worked with hundreds of companies in corporate formations, venture capital financings, joint ventures, public and private offerings, merger and acquisition transactions and as special advisor on board and governance matters. Deborah’s experience includes serving as a general counsel of an internet start-up.

Deborah currently works with private and public companies on a range of projects typically managed by a general counsel. She has supported early stage clients engaged in financing and team building matters and late stage companies in negotiating strategic commercial agreements and supervising the growth of IP portfolios. Her collaboration network includes her contacts and former colleagues in several large firms as well as specialists in a wide array of practices around the country.

Deb Ludewig is the President of the NACD Silicon Valley Chapter.

Deborah is a frequent speaker and educator on topics relevant to entrepreneurs and executives. She has developed governance seminars for board members and other educational programs of interest to entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Deborah is a faculty member of the Practicing Law Institute and Chair of the PLI’s annual program in San Francisco on Drafting Corporate Agreements.

Deborah is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Corporate Directors, Silicon Valley Chapter, www.svnacd.org, the oldest corporate governance non-profit institution in the US.

Deborah is a member of the Board of Directors of Forum for Women Entrepreneurs & Executives, www.fweande.org, an organization serving the growth and leadership development needs of entrepreneurs and senior level executives.

Deborah is a member of the Board of Directors of Girls for a Change, www.girlsforachange.org, a national organization that empowers teen age girls to create and lead social change.

JD – 1991, Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley
BS – 1980, College of Notre Dame (summa cum laude)

Below is a list of our current column contributors. These individuals are hard working volunteers, who make it their responsibility to provide original content on a weekly basis. If you are interested in becoming a columnist, please visit our “Become a Columnist” page and review our requirements. From there, simply follow the application instructions and fill out the form.