We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jefferson Rojas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jefferson, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Taking a risk has been a constant theme in my life. Moving from Colombia to the U.S. and starting over was the first major leap. The second was deciding to pursue stand-up comedy in a language that wasn’t my first.

Professionally, I work as a Project Manager with SCDOT, where structure and precision matter. Comedy is the opposite environment — unpredictable, vulnerable, and immediate. Choosing to step on stage while also building a serious career in infrastructure was a risk because it meant embracing two identities that don’t usually go together.

But that risk paid off. It taught me confidence, resilience, and the ability to lead under pressure — whether I’m managing a construction project or a live audience.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Jefferson Rojas — a Project Manager with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and a stand-up comedian and live show producer.

My professional background is in engineering and project management, where I oversee roadway construction projects that impact communities across South Carolina. That world taught me leadership, accountability, coordination, and how to execute complex plans with precision.

At the same time, I built a creative brand rooted in comedy and live entertainment. I perform stand-up in English and Spanish and produce curated comedy and burlesque shows that bring people together for unforgettable nights. What started as storytelling became a growing platform where I create stages for other performers while building a loyal audience.

What sets me apart is the balance between structure and creativity. My shows are not random open mics — they are professionally produced experiences. I apply the same discipline I use in project management to marketing, production, timing, and audience engagement.

I’m most proud of building a brand that reflects who I really am: an immigrant, a professional, a father, and a performer who believes laughter builds community.

Through my brand, I offer live comedy performances, event production, and collaborations. My goal is to create spaces where people disconnect from stress and reconnect through humor.

You can find upcoming shows, tickets, and projects at www.jeffersonrojas.com, and follow my journey on Instagram at @jeffersonrojascomedian

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

One of my favorite marketing moments was producing one of my early comedy and burlesque shows under JR Global Productions in a market where my name wasn’t widely known yet. I had secured the venue and the performers, but ticket sales were slow at first.

Instead of scaling back, I leaned into storytelling. I created short, direct videos explaining the vision behind the show, introduced each performer, shared behind-the-scenes content, and personally engaged with people online. I focused heavily on Instagram, especially through my page @jeffersonrojascomedian, because that’s where my audience connects with my personality and journey.

I also ran targeted ads and optimized the Eventbrite listing under JR Global Productions so people could easily find and purchase tickets. It was a financial and reputational risk, but the show sold out. The room was packed, the energy was incredible, and many first-time attendees became repeat guests.

That experience reinforced something important: people don’t just buy tickets — they buy into energy, trust, and consistency.

Upcoming shows are listed at www.jeffersonrojas.com and www.jrglobalproductions.com, and tickets can be found on Eventbrite under JR Global Productions.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Consistency, branding, and direct connection.

As a Project Manager at SCDOT, I manage structured projects with timelines and deliverables. I apply that same mindset to my creative brand. Every show produced under JR Global Productions follows a clear marketing timeline, strong visual identity, and professional execution.

Instagram has been my most effective growth tool — particularly @jeffersonrojascomedian. It allows people to see the real journey: balancing engineering and comedy, building shows from the ground up, and creating community through laughter. That authenticity builds trust.

But ultimately, the most effective strategy has been delivering a memorable experience. When people leave laughing and feeling part of something special, they return — and they bring others.

You can follow me at @jeffersonrojascomedian, learn more at www.jeffersonrojas.com and www.jrglobalproductions.com, and find all ticket links on Eventbrite under JR Global Productions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Jeffersonrojas.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffersonrojascomedian?igsh=Ym5vcTg4azVuejZp&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLpJAbD6P/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jemaroca?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jeffersonrojascomedian?si=C91IRhy4JqYIdhV2
• Other: https://Jrglobalproductions.com

Image Credits

@dgphotography