Paragon West Founder PJ Schulte’s Unexpected Hollywood Turn

PJ Schulte is doing it all, from running a powerhouse management company by day to stepping into the Hollywood spotlight by night. As the founder of Paragon West, his Los Angeles-based management and production firm, Schulte works with a dynamic roster of creators, athletes, and brands, including superstar boxer Ryan Garcia, Lionsgate, and even the Michael Jackson Estate. But while the industry knows him as the guy behind the deals, PJ Schulte is now making headlines for stepping in front of the camera himself.

The Paragon West founder unexpectedly discovered a passion for acting after stepping in to support one of his clients. When a client relocated to New York just before an acting program began, Schulte decided to take her place rather than let the opportunity go to waste. What started as an effort to understand his clients better soon became something more profound. "I had already paid for it, so I stepped in," he told The Blast. "I thought it would strengthen me as a manager. Instead, I ended up falling in love with it."

What started as a backup plan quickly became a passion. The unexpected shift didn't derail his day job. If anything, it added more depth to the growing Paragon West empire that continues to bridge the worlds of digital, film, and sports.

Even as his acting journey gains momentum, Schulte hasn't taken his foot off the gas. Paragon West continues to manage and produce projects for a roster that stretches from top athletes to entertainment companies.

Schulte has always envisioned Paragon West as something more profound than contracts and publicity. His focus, he says, is on guiding clients toward what they truly want from their careers and lives, and standing beside them until they get there. "We're here to help our clients figure out what they want from their careers and lives," he told The Blast. "And then support them every step of the way until they achieve it."

For Schulte, that mission hits close to home. Adopted as a child, he credits Catholic Charities for giving him a stable foundation, something he now strives to offer others. Today, he gives back to organizations that support adoption and foster care, particularly those helping teens who are aging out of the system.

"It's not charity," Schulte said. "It's my responsibility. I was lucky enough to get help when I needed it. Now I try to return that whenever I can."

Paragon West stands out in a competitive industry for its versatility, values, and personalized approach. Schulte has built the company to handle virtually any type of client, from top-tier creators and world-class athletes to major film studios releasing big-budget theatrical releases. That flexibility, combined with a deep understanding of both entertainment and business, allows the firm to deliver quickly and effectively on any project.

Despite juggling the demands of Paragon West, Schulte isn't slowing down his own creative pursuits. He remains self-represented, a choice that keeps him accountable. "It forces me to stay sharp and push a little harder," he said. "If things don't work out, there's no one else to blame but yourself."

Schulte currently has projects in development for both film and television, with production slated to begin in 2026. He's already shared the screen with the late Michael Madsen, a longtime Quentin Tarantino favorite who passed away in July, as well as "Scandal" actor Brian Letscher.

Until production begins, Schulte's focus remains on scaling Paragon West's original content division and strengthening creative partnerships across the industry.

"Everything we do is built on relationships," he said. "You can't fake that. You either build trust and deliver, or you don't. That's how you stay in this business."