As a DJ and business owner in the event entertainment space, you’re constantly faced with new challenges and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re managing a team of DJs or exploring new revenue streams, it’s essential to learn from industry veterans who have walked the path before. In this blog post, we’ll break down key insights from a recent conversation between David Osborne and multi-op DJ Jeremy Brech, who has grown his DJ company, Jer Events, from a high school hobby into a multi-faceted entertainment business in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Here are the key takeaways for DJ business owners looking to scale their operations, increase profitability, and maintain creativity.
From Single Op to Multi-Op: Jeremy Brech’s Growth Journey
Jeremy started his DJ career at just 15 years old, handling school events with a friend. Over time, demand grew, leading him to expand from a single-operator (single-op) setup into a multi-operator (multi-op) company. Today, Jeremy manages a team of 12 DJs and 20 additional staff members to handle everything from weddings to corporate events, AV services, and large-scale productions at Jer Events
Actionable Insights:
- Start small and grow organically: Jeremy emphasizes the importance of building your business gradually by responding to demand.
- Diversify your services: Consider expanding your offerings from weddings to corporate events, video walls, lighting design, and more to capture more market share.
Embracing the Corporate Market
While weddings were the foundation of Jeremy’s business, expanding into corporate events became a major growth driver. Jeremy points out that corporate events can be more profitable and allow for creative opportunities like video wall lighting and stage design.
Actionable Insights:
- Leverage existing clients for new opportunities: Jeremy landed a $4,000 production gig with US Bank simply by doing a smaller nonprofit event they were involved with.
- Show clients what’s possible: Help them envision bigger, better productions that go beyond basic DJ services.
Managing Small Markets: Thriving in a Midwestern Town
Operating in Sioux Falls, a city with about 200,000 residents, Jeremy has mastered the art of succeeding in a smaller market. Despite the town’s size, Sioux Falls offers a thriving business environment, thanks to strong local industries like agriculture and manufacturing.
Actionable Insights:
- Capitalize on your local market: Even small towns can offer big opportunities. Establish relationships with local businesses, nonprofits, and other industries.
- Don’t be afraid to expand your reach: Jeremy’s team regularly travels outside Sioux Falls for events in surrounding towns. Make sure to charge for travel and accommodations to maintain profitability.
Creativity Fuels Growth: Never Stop Asking Questions
Jeremy emphasizes the importance of creativity in event production. For one masquerade-themed event, he researched details from movies like Phantom of the Opera to deliver a show-stopping experience for his client. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, Jeremy sets his business apart from the competition.
Actionable Insights:
- Ask the right questions: When meeting with clients, go beyond the basic “what” and ask “why” to uncover deeper desires and opportunities for creative enhancements.
- Elevate the experience: Simple add-ons like uplighting can be transformed into a grand production with creative use of video walls, lighting, and special effects. Always aim to over-deliver.
Building the Right Team for a Multi-Op
One of the biggest challenges in scaling a DJ company is building a team that shares your vision. Jeremy stresses that each member of your team should fill a specific gap in your company. It’s not enough to hire “bodies”—you need skilled professionals who contribute real value.
Actionable Insights:
- Hire for skills, not just availability: Jeremy made tough decisions this year by letting go of two team members who were not contributing meaningfully to the business.
- Train and empower your team: Ensure your DJs and staff are equipped to handle everything from high-energy weddings to large corporate productions. Develop a system for ongoing training and skill development.
Key Strategies for DJ Business Owners:
- Diversify services: Expand beyond weddings to corporate events, AV services, and special productions.
- Invest in creative production: Embrace new technologies like video walls and custom lighting to create unforgettable experiences.
- Travel smart: Build travel and accommodation costs into your pricing model to remain profitable when working outside your home market.
- Hire the right team: Ensure every team member brings value and is aligned with your business vision.
- Leverage existing relationships: Turn smaller gigs into bigger opportunities by delivering exceptional service and upselling additional features.
Conclusion: Scaling Your DJ Business the Right Way
Whether you’re just starting out or managing a thriving multi-op DJ company, the insights shared by Jeremy Brech provide a roadmap for long-term success. By staying curious, pushing creative boundaries, and building a strong team, you can grow your DJ business to new heights.
Ready to take your DJ company to the next level? Implement the strategies outlined above and watch your business transform.
