About Great 8’s Baltimore

Kris Ruhling is a Baltimore-based entrepreneur, music promoter, and entertainment enthusiast, widely recognized as the creative force behind Great 8’s Baltimore—a rising name in sports, music, and cultural experiences. Before launching this venture, Kris spent years as the General Sales Manager (GSM) for several Toyota dealerships, sharpening his skills in sales and team leadership. Then, in 2020, a near-fatal bout with COVID turned his world upside down. Surviving this ordeal sparked a “Jerry Maguire” moment—a heartfelt shift that led him to leave the dealership life behind and start his own marketing company. That’s when Great 8’s Baltimore came to life, a passion project built from the ground up with grit and vision.

What began as Great 8’s Memorabilia has grown into something special, blending sports fandom, live entertainment, and music promotion with a deep love for Baltimore. Kris has worked hard to connect with the city’s sports icons—the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, and University of Maryland Terps—offering fans memorabilia, events, and promotions that hit home. His efforts stretch further, teaming up with pro wrestlers, models, and celebrities to create unique experiences and collections that stand out. Great 8’s Baltimore may not be the biggest name yet, but it’s carving out a solid spot for those who value authenticity and local flavor.

In December 2023, Kris dove into the music world, bringing reggae’s laid-back energy to the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, with a special focus on Maryland. As the manager of Ashley LaRue Band, he’s been hustling to boost the group’s presence in the reggae and reggae-adjacent scene, landing gigs and growing their following step by step. Looking ahead, Kris is gearing up for an exciting new chapter with the upcoming launch of Jamily Records in June 2025—a reggae-focused record label set to nurture fresh talent and deepen the genre’s roots in the region. With Jamily Records on the horizon, Kris is laying the groundwork to take his reggae passion to the next level, one artist at a time.

Kris is also making waves with live events that pack a punch. He’s behind shows like “Storytellers” and “Bonfire Sessions,” where artists share their craft up close, and festivals like Sunday Funday Fest, One Love Music Festival, Labor Of Love Music Festival, and The Bonfire Festival, which bring people together for music and good times. Add to that “Great 8’s Live,” a livestream channel featuring performances and ad opportunities, and you’ve got a lineup that’s earning its stripes one show at a time.

Great 8’s Baltimore is building bridges with brands too, working with names like Corona, Live Casino, Weis Markets, and WesBanco to craft marketing campaigns that resonate. It’s not about being the flashiest—it’s about doing it right and making an impact.

From its roots in memorabilia to its current role as a rising player in Baltimore’s scene—with Jamily Records poised to launch in June 2025—Great 8’s Baltimore reflects Kris Ruhling’s determination and heart. After surviving COVID and rethinking his path, he’s created something real—a company that’s not the biggest out there, but one that’s making its mark with Ravens fans, reggae lovers, and event-goers alike, one honest step at a time.