Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hayward Thompson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hayward, appreciate you joining us today. Have you signed with an agent or manager? Why or why not?

Yes, I actually have 8 agents currently based across the USA and one agent in the U.K. I was blessed to be named as one of the 100 artists per year that goes to the Applause International Talent Search sponsored by the ARTS. I performed in front of 125 casting directors, agents and the like and walked out of there with 8 agents. I am now a Regional Director for Applause International and I have even signed up my own children for the event. It does wonders to your career.

Part of the reason I decided to go with those agents was strategic in that I wanted agents that had their own niche and geographic presence. For example, I have an agent in NYC and 2 in LA, I 2 in Florida and 1 In chicago and 1 in Atlanta…I wanted to choose an agent that had a rapport in their area.

I think they decided to work with me, because I am professional and normally well prepared. I have unique talents with regard to acting, stand up comedy and Improv.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

Ok well I am a native of NYC who is now based in Cincinnati Ohio. I am 53 years old and have multiple college degrees as well as a certificate for the NYU School of Business Tisch School of Arts. I got into the entertainment industry at the age of 12 and never looked back from there. Initially, I started with just the music industry, but now I am also doing very well in the Stand Up Comedy realm.

For clients, we solve a few problems. 1) We are normally the less expensive option since we dont have huge overhead to deal with. I own a digital billboard company and we provide digital marketing to entertainers and politicians for the most part. I have boards in 38 cities totaling over 1400 in the continental US. We are set apart because we offer a “One Stop” shopping experience for our clients, Lets say a politician needs media space. We can provide the media space, we can provide the promo merch like t shirts, hats, bumper stickers etc. We can also provide manpower for the concerts or polls, including security and ground transportation.

The thing I am most proud of is that we are being blessed for our efforts during this major upswing in the political season. The billboard company started in my basement office in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2018 and since we have become a major player in the billboard arena

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect is changing some people lives through laughter. Prime example, about 10 years ago, I was on stage at a club that I owned. A guy came in and listened to the jokes and had a few drinks. After the show, he pulls me aside and tells me thank you for saving his life. He said he came to the bar to have a few drinks and then commit suicide in his car in the parking lot, But he said that I made laugh so much that he couldnt think of killing himself. He had just went throough a bad divorce and lost his wife and kids by them moving to Arizona. Well, today that man is still alive and well, he and I are social media friends and he has since moved to Arizona and rekindled the relationship with his kids.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the notion of being cut throat or shark like in the business, You dont have to be mean or disrespectful to be successful. As my walk with God progessed, so did some changes in my life and thus my business. I had to unlearn the “squeeze every nickel” out of the situation mentality and embrace a more inclusive and spiritual way of doing business. Nothing can replace Peace Of Mind in life…

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hay-j.com
• Instagram: @hayj_thompson
• Facebook: Comedian Hayward J Thompson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayward-thompson-3a575513a
• Twitter: @Hayjgotjokes
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ovations
• Other: https://www.ovationsbillboards.com