Record labels will release anything they can turn a buck on, so do anything you can to make sure you re that band. Email was a toy and they were just glad to get the messages. Good things don't late forever though and those days are over. You'll have a hard time getting through, but just keep calling. Be nice to the person answering the phone.
Receptionists are some of the most powerful people in the music business.
Don't mention anything about a record deal. Just tell him you respect his opinion and you'd like to send him a demo to see what he thinks about it. This works for a couple of reasons. You're not asking for anything, so you're not putting him on the defensive. Just make the connection and keep checking in with the guy every few months.