Monsters of HipHop was started by Andy and Becky Funk along with Becky’s sister, Angie. Collectively, the three developed the unique concept for Monsters of HipHop based on Becky and Angie’s background growing up dancing competitively and Andy’s experience in business and marketing. They saw a need, took a chance and created a Monster! While Monsters has grown tremendously, the company always strives to maintain the family environment on which it was built.
Andy Funk, Director and Executive Producer
Yes, that’s really his last name! Andy graduated from Towson State University in 1996 with a double major in Mass Communications and Communication Studies. He worked in a variety of areas from freight logistics and non-profit development to baseball tour guide and major event planning. In 2002, he left his full-time job to run the family business, a dance studio in Maryland that he and his wife started three years earlier. The entrepreneurial bug would not allow him to stop there and with the help of his wife and sister-in-law, they created Monsters of HipHop in 2003.
Driven largely by the experience of losing his brother, Alan, to Leukemia in 1990, Andy continues to work hard to make a positive impact and create meaningful opportunities for dancers and individuals throughout the world.
Becky Funk, Co-Founder and Advisor
Becky is the dancer in the Funk family and the reason why Monsters exists. Had it not been for Becky leaving her job as a Health Educator to open a dance studio, the idea would have probably never come up. Becky graduated from Towson State University in 1997 with a B.S. degree in Health Science. While at Towson, she was a 2-year captain of the university dance team, leading them to a 4th place finish in their first National Collegiate dance competition.
After spending so many years dancing competitively, she saw a need for more hip hop classes on the convention circuit and more career opportunities for hip hop dancers. This vision lead to the development of Monsters’ unique format and mission.
In addition to managing two businesses and coaching tee ball, Becky and Andy love spending time with their three boys!
Gene Burdette, Co-Director
Gene joined the Monsters family full time in 2006. A long-time friend and colleague of Andy Funk, Gene was hired to help manage the company’s continued growth and facilitate numerous projects which Monsters has in development. Gene has experience in a variety of fields including marketing, business development, logistics, public relations, information technology & more. He graduated with a Marketing and Business degree from Towson State University in 1996, eventually teaming up with Andy Funk while working together at the Baltimore Orioles. On his weekends off, Gene enjoys riding in century bike races & playing Barbie with his two daughters at home.
Angie Servant, Co-Founder and Advisor
Angie graduated from Towson University with a degree in Dance Therapy. She was also a member of the TU dance team and brings almost 20 years of dance experience to Monsters. Her background as a dance teacher and competitive dancer along with her experience in dance therapy makes her a great asset to the Monsters family. Angie served as Co-Director until 2006, when she slowed down to spend more time with her daughter and prepare for her second child coming this summer.
Gina Servant, Tour Assistant
Becky’s sister, Gina, helps in a number of behind-the-scenes areas including merchandising and administrative assistance. Her background includes Social Work and Business Administration.
Lori Thompson, Merchandise Manager and Tour Assistant
Lori brings over 25 years of business management experience, including eight years as an executive for a Fortune 500 Company. Lori has been very instrumental in helping to manage the rapid growth of Monsters of HipHop.
JR Combest, Tour Assistant
Also a graduate of Towson University’s Dance Department and long-time dance teacher, JR assists in numerous areas of the Monsters of HipHop Tour.