Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shawn McDonough. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Shawn, thanks for joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
I can honestly say they’ve done everything right. Are they perfect at all times? No, nobody is, but what they’ve given me my whole life and why I say “everything” is because they have given me true love. Not the fake love or “appearance” love. TRUE GENUINE LOVE. Loving support with full hearts and kindness. I’m beyond blessed to have parents that whole heartedly love me. There’s many that unfortunately have not received that or have no idea what that’s like. It’s beautiful and without that love and them being honest with me, treating me fairly and guiding me in proper directions, I wouldn’t be the person I am today or be as successful as I am with my business.
There’s so many stories I could share to provide details on this, but overall, whether times were rough and there wasn’t many presents under the Christmas tree growing up (or heat in all of the house) the flip side of when there was a room full of presents, I was beyond spoiled with their love. I learned from them that materials are nice but they don’t matter if you don’t have love. Even in the worst of times, it can always get worse. Being able to “fight” with them through hardships and major obstacles is what I value so much about them. So many give up (especially these days) but that’s not an option with our family. Fight on and know that it can always get worse, so be grateful for what you have, even if you feel like you don’t have a lot. If you are blessed with a lot, be humble, appreciative and give to those around you when you are able.
I’m forever grateful for my parents. Sometimes they drive me nuts but hey…that’s part of the gig right : )
Shawn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hey there! My name is Shawn “JellieFish” McDonough
I own JellieFish Productions. We are mainly know for Djing weddings and private events but we also specialize in audio production. All the fun stuff you hear on radio stations between songs, or really HYPE intros and outros for podcasts. Editing podcasts etc. We create those for not only our brand but for stations across the country and locally as well.
I worked in radio for 10 years. I was an on-air talent, producer for many formats. Through that company, I started to get my feet wet Djing private events and weddings. It was a FUN job but I got a bit burned out on it all and decided to jump into some “regular” jobs.
During the 2 years that I was out of the entertainment industry I kept getting at least 20-30 inquires per 6 months for couples and clients wanting me to DJ their events or produce their commercials. It was like a bunch of bricks hitting me and finally I decided to start my own company for a little side coin and it exploded to the point where I had to go full time with it 5 years ago. Haven’t looked back since : )
Oh, and the company name comes from my nickname in HS & Radio “JellieBean” and my mentor in radio was “Catfish” so I combined the two and fell in love with “JellieFish Productions”. Everyone digs the logo : )
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Talent, passion, and having the skillset to deliver.
Not being fake. There’s so many fake people today and it’s nauseating. I love staying true to ourselves and being FUN to work with while also being professional. It gives me goosebumps every time a couple at the end of their party comes up and says “you lived up to the hype and then some!” Worth every penny and more”! That’s what it’s about.
From our instagram to our google reviews you’ll see a consistent message. We are constantly living up those high expectations every weekend. That’s for sure catapulted us into a high class of vendor referrals and clientele.
Developing relationships with those vendors. That’s huge, but again, NOT being fake.
Proper and efficient branding. Being truthful to our couples and clients. Never trying to just “close the sale” but being honest with our skillset and what we provide.
Any advice for managing a team?
I’m not gonna act like I manage a fortune 500 company here but I can say this. You have to treat people with respect. You don’t have to be their best friend but you have to say to yourself, would this be appealing to me? If not, then don’t expect someone else to do it. Would I like if someone said this to me in this tone or manner? I basically take everything from all of the bad managers and bosses I’ve had and do the opposite lol.
The industry that I’m in is very talent driven and if you don’t have talent, you can’t do it. With that, you deserve to be paid properly. You’ll never keep anyone if you treat your talent like a “regular” job. I’ve been told numerous times that I pay my Dj’s to much, but I don’t think so. They are being paid properly for their talent and for sacrificing their weekends to put on one helluva party. That’s not as simple as…$20 an hour sounds good right?
Being a leader and “managing” a team is showing by example. Everyone who works for JellieFish and sees the success that I’ve created know that I work my ass off. I’m not just hanging out on the couch directing people around raking in the big bucks. Nah, I’m out there working more than anyone and they see that. The best bosses I’ve had led that way. Those bosses treated me with respect and showed me how to do it the right way while also allowing me to do it with my own spin on it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jelliefish.productions/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jelliefishproductions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JellieFishProductions/
- Other: [email protected] (no dot com as the .productions replaces that) Google Reviews: https://www.google.com/search?q=jelliefish+productions&oq=jelliefish+pr&aqs=chrome.0.69i59i512j69i57j0i10l3j69i60l2j69i61.2864j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Blackbird & Rye Mighty Happy Crew Kitty Lee Photography Maiko Media Monet Photography 50 Pts