Kansas City comedian Tio Pepe signs management deal with The Glaeser Group

Pepe Cabrera, known as Tio Pepe, has joined The Glaeser Group's talent management roster as he looks to grow his comedy, media and acting career. The partnership is expected to open more bookings, television and film opportunities, and industry connections.

Why it matters: - Tio Pepe is moving from local momentum to broader industry representation. - The management deal gives the Kansas City comedian a pathway to more stand-up bookings, media appearances and screen opportunities. - The Glaeser Group is selectively expanding talent management, and Tio Pepe is among its first managed performers.

What happened: - Pepe Cabrera, who performs as Tio Pepe, joined The Glaeser Group's talent management roster. - The announcement was made Oct. 23, 2026, in Kansas City, Kan. - Tio Pepe is a Kansas City comedian, military veteran and 2025 ARTS alum. - The Glaeser Group will manage Tio Pepe's expanding work in stand-up comedy, entertainment and media.

The details: - Tio Pepe was born and raised in Kansas City as the middle child of Cuban refugees. - His background includes more than 21 years of military service, time in Iraq, a state wrestling championship, Catholic school and doctoral studies. - His comedy pulls from family, relationships, military experiences, aging and unexpected life turns. - Courtney Holmes, CEO of CA Talent Scouting, encouraged Tio Pepe to develop his talent and brought him to The ARTS hosted by Applause International in 2025. - Holmes said Tio Pepe's presence, work ethic and recovery from losing his voice during his ARTS performance stood out to scouts and industry professionals. - At The ARTS, Tio Pepe met Marlana Glaeser, CEO and Creative Director of The Glaeser Group. - Their first work together centered on marketing, branding and building his professional presence. - After about a year, Glaeser expanded the relationship into talent management. - Glaeser said she wanted to manage Tio Pepe because she sees him as funny, kind, thoughtful and committed to the people around him. - Tio Pepe has already worked as a featured comedian for Alex Reymundo, one of the Original Latin Kings of Comedy. - Tio Pepe will return to The ARTS in December 2026 to continue building entertainment relationships with The Glaeser Group as his management team. - Tio Pepe is available for select comedy bookings, media opportunities and professional appearances. - The announcement directs followers to PepeGotJokes.com and the #PepeGotJokes social media presence. - Social links included Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok profiles for PepeGotJokes.

Between the lines: - The move suggests Tio Pepe is shifting from development and branding work into a more formalized career push. - The Glaeser Group's decision to manage him after a year of collaboration signals confidence in his marketability beyond stand-up alone. - The emphasis on military service, resilience and personal history positions Tio Pepe as a story-driven performer with crossover potential.

What's next: - Tio Pepe's focus will be additional comedy bookings, industry relationships, media appearances and acting opportunities in television and film. - His return to The ARTS in December 2026 is meant to deepen entertainment industry connections. - The Glaeser Group will continue managing his career as he expands his profile beyond Kansas City.

The bottom line: - Tio Pepe is turning a long personal and professional backstory into a bigger comedy and entertainment push with management support behind him.