The Franchise Formula with Joe Bunn

/ Branding, Business, Expansion, Podcast / By

Running a multi-op DJ company can be both rewarding and challenging. As many DJs dream of expanding their operations, the question arises: how do you scale effectively without losing the essence of your brand? To answer this, we turn to Joe Bunn, a name synonymous with DJ excellence and innovative business practices.

The Reality of Expansion: It’s Not as Glamorous as It Seems

Joe Bunn’s success story is often idealized, but he is quick to bring it back to reality. While his DJ company operates in six locations across five states, Joe emphasizes that this isn’t as glamorous as it might appear. His model isn’t a traditional franchise but more of a licensing agreement. This structure allows local operators to use the Bunn DJ Company name while maintaining autonomy over their operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Franchising vs. Licensing: Understand the difference and choose the model that aligns with your goals. Licensing gives operators flexibility, while franchising requires more control and oversight.
  • Autonomy for Success: Allow your regional operators or managers to make decisions independently, provided they adhere to brand guidelines.

The Importance of Finding the Right People

Joe Bunn’s expansion wouldn’t be possible without the right people in the right places. From David Fox in Charleston to Randy in Raleigh, Joe’s team members are individuals who understand and embody the brand’s ethos.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hire from Within: All of Joe’s regional leaders started as DJs within his company. This ensures they understand the culture and operations from the ground up.
  • Look for Ambition and Hunger: Joe didn’t just look for skilled DJs; he sought out individuals who were ambitious and willing to invest in their success.

Delegation: The Secret to Avoiding Burnout

Joe’s business success hinges on his ability to delegate. From hiring a right-hand man to employing virtual assistants, he has mastered the art of entrusting tasks to others so he can focus on strategic growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • Delegate, Don’t Micromanage: Trust your team to handle tasks, especially the day-to-day operations, allowing you to focus on the bigger picture.
  • Virtual Assistance: Utilize virtual assistants for tasks like video editing or creating marketing materials to save time and resources.

Maintaining Brand Consistency

Even with multiple locations, Joe Bunn ensures that the Bunn DJ Company brand remains consistent across the board. This consistency is key to maintaining the trust and recognition that the brand has built over the years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Brand Kits: Provide your regional teams with a brand kit that includes everything from logos to marketing guidelines. This ensures that all locations present a unified brand image.
  • Regular Check-ins: While Joe’s approach is hands-off, he does step in when necessary, particularly if a location receives a bad review. Regular check-ins help ensure that the brand’s reputation remains intact.

Actionable Tips for Multi-Op DJ Owners

  1. Consider Licensing Instead of Franchising: This gives regional operators more freedom while keeping your brand at the forefront.
  2. Hire Internally: Promote from within to ensure your team understands the company culture.
  3. Delegate Wisely: Free up your time by delegating administrative and operational tasks.
  4. Maintain Brand Consistency: Use a brand kit and conduct regular check-ins to ensure all locations align with your brand.
  5. Leverage Virtual Assistance: Employ virtual assistants for tasks that can be outsourced, saving time and allowing you to focus on growth.

Conclusion: The American Dream of DJing

Joe Bunn’s story is a testament to the power of delegation, the importance of a strong team, and the value of consistent branding. By applying these principles, you can achieve the American dream of running a successful DJ multi-op business, where you’re in control of your time and your company’s growth.

For more insights and resources, connect with Joe Bunn on Instagram @JoeBunn or visit BlueprintLearn.com.

Are your DJs event ready?

Download the FREE 37-page “How to Train an Event DJ™” workbook and find out today

Workbook Download