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

Andrew, appreciate you joining us today. Your ability to build a team is often a key determinant of your success as a business owner and so we’d love to get a conversation going with successful entrepreneurs like yourself around what your recruiting process was like -especially early on. How did you build your team?

When I first started my business in 2003, it was just me, a CD player, a microphone, and a couple of speakers. I stored my PA equipment under the staircase of the tiny one-bedroom apartment that my then-girlfriend — now wife — and I shared together. I spent my days hustling from the moment I woke up until late into the evening. There wasn’t a gig I wouldn’t take, a venue I wouldn’t visit, or a potential vendor I wouldn’t schmooze while trying to grow the business.
As the company began to scale, I started interviewing potential performers — DJs, MCs, and dancers. If I felt someone had the right attitude, energy, work ethic, and the ability to be a strong team player, I would give them an opportunity. Experience wasn’t necessarily the deciding factor. In fact, about 90% of my current team had little to no experience in the event industry when they started with us.
I personally trained many of them to embody the style, professionalism, and interactive MC/DJ approach that became the foundation of our brand. I gave them low-pressure opportunities to grow, gain confidence, and eventually develop their own unique personalities and followings. Today, we have a staff of more than 20 people and the ability to successfully manage up to five events simultaneously on any given evening.

Andrew, 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?

Back in the mid-1990s, while attending college, I was also working professionally as an actor, appearing in commercials, soap operas, and theater productions in both Los Angeles and New York. During that time, I was introduced to the music and events industry and given the opportunity to try my hand at DJ entertainment.
I was immediately drawn to the creativity, energy, and personal connections the industry offered. It wasn’t long before I developed a loyal following of clients and vendor relationships that naturally led to more and more opportunities. In 2003, I took a leap of faith and launched my company independently. We’ve been packing dance floors throughout Southern California ever since.
Get in The Groove Entertainment is a Los Angeles-based event entertainment company specializing in Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, corporate events, and social celebrations. Our experienced and energetic team brings professionalism, personality, and attention to detail to every event we’re part of.
From elegant ceremonies to high-energy receptions and packed dance floors, we pride ourselves on creating unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages. In addition to DJs and MCs, we offer interactive dancers, photo booths, custom graphics, dance-floor lighting, décor uplighting, audiovisual solutions, and other enhancements designed to personalize each event and create lasting memories.
What I believe truly sets us apart is our ability to create not just a party, but an experience — one that feels fun, seamless, engaging, and uniquely tailored to each client.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

2020 was an incredibly precarious time for the live events industry. When COVID-19 made large gatherings impossible, live entertainment essentially came to a halt overnight. Like many business owners, we had to pivot quickly in order to survive and continue supporting our team and families.
We adapted by offering virtual parties, officiating intimate weddings, and providing AV support and digital assets for outdoor ceremonies and livestreamed events. We also stayed active and relevant on social media through giveaways, contests, and online engagement while spending much of that downtime laying the groundwork for what would eventually become a very busy and rewarding return to live events.
That period taught us the importance of adaptability, creativity, and staying connected to both clients and community — even during uncertain times.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a strong reputation in any industry isn’t rocket science, but it does require consistency, integrity, and genuine relationships. Providing a quality service at a competitive price is a good place to start, but longevity comes from how you treat people.
You need to be honest and fair with your clients, your vendors, and your employees. Build a team of professional, like-minded individuals that you can not only teach, but also learn from. Develop meaningful relationships within your industry and always conduct yourself professionally.
Pay your bills on time. Continue learning. Read, evolve, and stay informed about your industry. Share your knowledge and experiences with others. Most importantly, lead by example and inspire the people around you.
At the end of the day, your reputation is built one event, one relationship, and one interaction at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.getinthegroovedjs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getinthegroovedjs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getinthegroovedjs
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/get-in-the-groove-entertainment-los-angeles?osq=Get+in+the+groove+Entertainemnt&override_cta=Get+pricing

Image Credits
Wachsman-Staley Michael Delamonte Innis Casey