EXCLUSIVE: Days after the launch of its new Netflix reality series Calabasas Confidential, Wheelhouse production label Spoke Studios has promoted Gardner Reed to President.
Reed has been with the Brent Montgomery-run company since its creation in 2018 and was previously promoted to SVP, Development in 2024.
The exec developed Calabasas Confidential, which premiered last week, as well as Bravo’s recently announced Secrets, Lies, Texas Wives and his credits also include Netflix’s King of Collectibles and Designing Miami as well as A&E’s Duck Dynasty: The Revival.
He has spent the last 14 years working with Montgomery, who has long called him one of the company’s secret weapons. Before Wheelhouse, he worked at The Real Housewives of New Jersey producer Sirens Media, which was acquired by Montgomery’s Leftfield Entertainment, before rising through the development ranks at both Leftfield and ITV America.
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Montgomery, who is Wheelhouse CEO, said, “Gardner walked into my office in his early 20s with a self-funded sizzle reel that was market ready. Simply said, he just shows up. He’s a world class human who goes deep with his relationships on and off camera which drives his storytelling to highly engaged audiences. In a tricky market, he has arguably the hottest hand and we will build more underneath his leadership.”
Wheelhouse Entertainment President Courtney White added, “Gardner is a rare creative leader who is willing to outwork everyone to find the gold. At Wheelhouse, we aim to be the first stop for established, emerging and entrepreneurial stars; Gardner is central to that vision, alongside our talent powerhouse Jessica Zalkind, and we’re thrilled to have him leading Spoke Studios.”
“Having had the privilege to work with Brent since 2013, I’ve always admired how forward-thinking and deeply supportive he is. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help make Spoke the go-to label for bold, buzzy, character-driven storytelling,” said Reed. “In addition to our growing roster of shows, we plan to expand our digital slate and creator partnerships as we identify new voices, unforgettable characters and culturally resonant stories across platforms. I’m honored to be part of Wheelhouse and to work alongside inspiring leaders like Brent and Courtney, whose vision and leadership continue to push all of us forward.”