Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Denny Perdue. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Denny, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I have ever worked on is ME. Let me take you back….
As a successful professional in an industry that isn’t the most glamorous or prestigious, like not the movie style profession. You know the one we all saw in the movies from the mid to late ’90s where the extremely good-looking and dreamy star has the perfect job. He oversees this amazing staff, takes all-day lunches, and has the perfect apartment in a downtown area of New York or Chicago or something. No, not that profession. The automotive world of chaos. There had to be more to this life than showing up to a job that I was damn good at.
The automotive industry not providing meaning in my life. The money was great, and the awards and power were awesome. It just didn’t cut it until the opportunity came along to own my own business. You’re probably thinking right now that I was going to own a dealership or mechanic shop. HA HA HA no! I called my mom and told her I was going to be a DJ at the ripe age of 34. Her exact words “How are you going to make money being a DJ?” That was a great question since I didn’t know either. What I didn’t realize is that as much as I wanted to do production, play music, and have fun, I soon realized this life was taking me into something so much more powerful.
Well, you guessed right that I had a successful business. Within 18 months I had moved across the country home to Missouri, and I was booked more than 70 times for events. I was contracted with a school district for the production portion of their school district. I thought I had done what every entrepreneur had hoped for. REVENUE. Finding the business I needed to be a powerful force in the private event industry for Southern Missouri. All until I was asked one question, “What do you want for your life”. This was the point I realized I had done the things but not fulfilled my WHY.
I have spent the last 5 years of my life now searching for the why in my life. To do so I had to peel back who I am and who I have been. It’s like taking the mask off to see the heart beating so fast and furious. Like the drag race in the movie with Vin Diesel Just outrun the train and make it to the finish line. Seeing beyond the race to the next step, the next thing was my goal now. This life isn’t a race, it’s a marathon!
So back to the original question, what has been the most meaningful project I have worked on, ME! One of my favorite quotes is “You can not think your way into a new way of living you have to live a new way into a new way of thinking.” Life now is seeing I am worth all that this life has to give. Free of ego, no longer the pursuit of material things but instead intentionality for myself and overflowing this great meaningful life into others.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have always loved being on stage. Born with a mic in my hand. From a young age, I was in all of the school and church plays. Yes, I was that kid. What can I say, I love being in the spotlight. I quickly learned as I got into my teens that I loved music more than I thought. I had a music minister push me onto the drums one day at school. Oh…I went to a private school by the way. We had chapel every Wednesday. This was where I took on loving the drums. Soon after I worked with a gentleman at our local church to learn more about sound engineering. He taught me how to operate the gigantic Allen & Heath board for our church.
From the beginning, life was setting the groundwork for what now has become not just a career but a lifestyle for me and pushed me to train my son Landen. After many years of him seeing me work tireless nights on stage design at church, set speaker systems in place, or program sound and lighting for productions, he has taken on a love for sound and lighting.
Today I provide powerful event management by showing up as an Event Host/Personality/DJ for events across the midwest. I absolutely love working with my clients to bring to life their vision for an event. Corporate, private, or weddings my life has become this private event industry. Along with leading a team for Elevate Entertainment, I have the opportunity to teach, coach, and guide younger professionals that share the same passion for bringing powerful experiences to life.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The reward for being this creative artist in the private event industry is seeing the process come together. From the first discovery meeting, I start to get an idea of what the client wants. This kickstarts the ideas for each portion of the night. Often times I’ll ask questions and watch the lightbulb go off in the client’s eyes. This is where they start to realize they want so much more than just music or lights. They want the glue to bring the whole event together.
Through the process, I get to help clients put their pieces together. From layout, design, and flow for the event and agenda I am here along the way so that they can feel the experience come to life. Then the day comes, the corporate event starts, or the bride walks down the aisle or even the private event kicks off with the gathering of friends. It all is together with that feel you can only describe with goosebumps on your arm.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I have found the most powerful book I have read recently to bring me to where I am is Start with Why and Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. Also the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.
These books have truly helped me realize on a deeper level to realize my potential with my why and with understanding more about who I am. How to talk with others without narratives that were embedded into me as a small child. Operate without judgment for me and understand that judgments from others are just them. Don’t take it personally. This has helped tremendously with understanding how to work with people from different backgrounds.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elevateentertainment.com/our-team/denny-perdue
- Instagram: @denny.perdue
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/settings?tab=account§ion=username
Image Credits
Sherry Halloway Tim Casey