Staff

Dave Kaplan
Owner/Founder

Acclaimed for his work as a music manager, founder/head of an independent record label and for promoting ocean awareness and preservation, Dave Kaplan has managed the careers of entertainment industry legends UB40, Brian Setzer, Dave Stewart, Glen Campbell, Stray Cats, Gary Hoey, Butthole Surfers, BulletBoys, and many more artists.

Life and Career

Dave graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Santa Barbara business school and received the elite Salutatorian award of his graduating class of 1981. He gained status as a Certified Public Accountant in 1984. Though raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Kaplan took his very first steps on Mission Beach and, fittingly, set up permanent residence in San Diego. He played in rock n’ roll bands since the age of 14 and played on the college bar circuit in Southern California.

After beginning his career as a CPA, a college friend called and asked him to join his father’s entertainment firm in Los Angeles based on Kaplan’s business training and experience, combined with his music sensibilities. Kaplan accepted and became the Vice President of the firm, which produced and sold rock and roll t-shirts and other items for entertainment icons including Madonna, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Bette Midler, and other music superstars. Then in 1985, at the age of 25, Kaplan was selected to co-manage the world-renowned British reggae group, UB40. He oversaw their USSR tour (the first-ever tour of Russia by a Western band) which resulted in the documentary UB40 – CCCP by acclaimed director/photographer Anton Corbijn. When his management-business partner left to work for Arista Records, Kaplan founded Dave Kaplan Management. From this foundation, he went on to manage the careers of several legendary rock and roll artists like Brian Setzer, Dave Stewart, Sublime, The Stray Cats and many more, which he continues to do to this day.

In 1992 he founded the record label side of the business, Surfdog Records. Surfdog has released over 150 albums, selling millions worldwide. Releases have included Eric Clapton, Brian Setzer, Glen Campbell, Stray Cats, Joss Stone, Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks, Slightly Stoopid, and many more.

Surfdog and Dave’s family are very proud of and passionate about their Encinitas community, and in 1999 opened Surfdog’s Java Hut coffee and smoothies, an island-style café adjacent to its offices, just steps from Swami’s beach.

If Dave’s on a “business trip,” that could always be code for his annual Fiji surf trip with his pack of ultra-close-knit high-school buddies (who all learned to surf at the world’s first artificial wave in Phoenix)! Dave lives in Leucadia with his wife of 36 years, along with their pack of dogs. Dave’s son has followed his footsteps and is a full-time employee at Surfdog, and his daughter and her husband now live in Encinitas where they are now starting a family. 

Scott Seine
President

In 1995, while studying broadcasting at Humboldt State University in Northern California, Scott began his career in the entertainment world as a radio deejay and promoter. As well as becoming an avid record collector, he also spent a lot of his time surfing in the cold Northern Cal waters! Scott went on to work for CBS News as a cameraman, audio technician, and technical director. He then moved to San Diego to become a Director for an audio/visual production company in San Diego.

Scott has been with Surfdog / Dave Kaplan Management for 20 years and over that time has risen from an intern to President of the company, presiding over the most successful years in Surfdog/DKM’s 34-year history, overseeing several top-charting releases and significant campaigns including Glen Campbell, Eric Clapton, Brian Setzer, Sublime, Dave Stewart, Stray Cats, Joss Stone and more. He oversees all staff, business strategy and company initiatives for the label and management company.

Scott lives in Encinitas with his wife, son, and daughter. If you don’t see him in the office or on the road, he’s probably surfing, hanging with his family or spending his kid’s college fund on reggae records.

Lauren Walters
Senior Vice President

Mark Kaplan was born and raised in Encinitas by two music-loving parents and always knew he wanted to follow in their footsteps. From working any and all jobs at festivals and concert venues, to producing and booking his own concerts, to serving as Executive Assistant to the Senior VP at Goldenvoice San Diego, Mark has always immersed himself in the live entertainment industry. He graduated from UC Santa Cruz and also studied at the University of Sydney before returning home to Southern California.

As Head of Artist Relations & Marketing at Surfdog/DKM, Mark leads the company’s comedy division and oversees the day-to-day management of comedians Zoltan Kaszas, Bret Ernst, and Steven Rogers. In addition, he plays a key role across the company’s broader artist roster, supporting management, artist development, and strategic initiatives. Mark also serves as the company’s marketing lead, overseeing campaigns for tours, record releases, comedy specials, merchandise, and other projects. His responsibilities further include A&R, social media strategy, content creation, and production.

Outside of work, Mark enjoys surfing, playing guitar, and spending time in nature. He is proud to be part of the Surfdog/DKM team.

Jim McKeever
Executive Assistant/Office Manager

Jim joined Surfdog in 2022 – he is Dave’s executive assistant and is in charge of managing the Surfdog office. He has over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry and got his start in the film/music department at Dreamworks. Since then, he became a hip-hop producer and a film music composer for over 50 TV series and films.

He is a true SoCal lifer, born and raised in Orange County, worked for a long time in LA and now permanently lives in San Diego with his wife and their two boys. Jim is stoked to be part of the Surfdog family!

Emilia Clemente
Marketing and Artist Management Assistant

Emilia was born and raised in Orange County before moving to San Diego, where she has lived for the past ten years. After graduating from California State University San Marcos with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in marketing, she developed a deeper interest in business and marketing. Her experience as a community coordinator and designing custom jewelry ultimately led her to realize she wanted to pursue a career in the music industry.

Music has been a lifelong passion of hers, dating back to childhood when she first discovered artists like Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin. She is also a dedicated fan of stand-up comedy and regularly attends shows and follows comedians.

Combining her interests in music and comedy, Emilia is excited to join the Surfdog team, where she currently assists with production, marketing and day-to-day management for Surfdog/DKM’s comedy clients.

Winifred Logan
Marketing and Artist Management Coordinator

Winifred is the Marketing and Artist Management Coordinator at Surfdog. She graduated from USC Thornton’s Music Industry program after completing community college in Los Angeles. She worked concerts and festivals throughout school, even producing a few shows of her own. She gained experience in touring, ticketing, and VIP programs at AEG Presents.

Born in Michigan and raised between Texas and Southern California, Winifred grew up on country and dance music. She’s thrilled to be by the beach and part of the Surfdog team. When she’s not working, she enjoys caring for her houseplants and three turtles, running, cooking vegan meals, traveling, and supporting animal rights causes.