We were lucky to catch up with Jay Hague recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jay, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
In 2001, I turned my passion for music into a business. Back then, I loved going to clubs and events. I had the chance to make money doing something I loved, so I jumped at the opportunity. Now, I’ve built a successful full-time career as a DJ, sound, and lighting expert. I’ve worked with some amazing companies like Disney, Nike, Pepsi, Red Bull, and Toyota. But one of my greatest achievements is being part of five Super Bowls for the NFL – two in Arizona, one in San Francisco, one in Houston, and most recently in Las Vegas. I’ve worked hard to make a name for myself in the wedding and corporate event industry. Getting the attention of clients like Disney, Nike, Pepsi, and the NFL is a true testament to my hard work and success. In addition to my business, I previously worked in Law Enforcement and then in 2015, I joined the fire service. I love the event and wedding industry, and I make a nice living doing what I love. But I also really enjoy giving back to the community and helping people, which is why I became a first responder. Today, I still work full-time for a major city fire department in Arizona, in addition to running my business. In 2012, my now wife, Heather, joined me to help with the business and works alongside me to DJ events when I’m not available. My advice is, if you want to achieve your dreams and be successful, don’t be afraid to take opportunities and see where they lead you.
Jay, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Jay Hague, but you might also know me as DJ Elite. I got into the event services business because of the people I hung out with and learned from. When I was younger, I loved going to clubs and watching DJs master the skill of reading a dance floor. I loved the music and just seeing how music brought people together and made them have a great time. In fact, I even met my wife, Heather, because of music! We’ve been together since 2012 after meeting her at a Benny Bennasi concert in Tempe. Music has always been a big part of my life. Since starting my business back in 2001, I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of nearly 1000 newlyweds’ special day and being a part of their love story. I love seeing people happy and having a good time, so the DJ industry was a perfect fit for me. We primarily offer DJ, sound, and lighting services for weddings and corporate events but will on occasion take on other events. We can handle events of all sizes from a small 50 person event to larger events such as providing staging, sound, lighting, DJ and MC services for the NFL Shop @ Super Bowl with many thousands of guests. We have sound, lighting, and video to suit most events we get calls for, and for the really big events where we need extra help, we have a few go-to providers to help us out so we can meet our clients’ needs. We’re all about providing the highest quality in Arizona and going all out to make sure we exceed our clients’ expectations.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
In the event industry, the most valuable resource we have is each other. Some might see them as competition, but I believe building connections with others in the field is a win-win situation. Having a strong network will ensure our success. Of course, like any business, there will be those who view us as threats or competitors and distance themselves. But there are also many talented DJs and service providers who thrive and don’t see others as a threat to their income. Personally, I enjoy networking with other DJs and creatives in the wedding and event industry. It’s great to have solid contacts to offer to my clients when I’m not available. Additionally, it’s wonderful to connect with others who may have more knowledge about venues or spaces where we might perform in the future. Bouncing ideas off each other, learning from their experiences, and exchanging music mixes can all be incredibly beneficial. Networking is the key to success in this business, so I encourage you to make as many connections as possible. Be humble, helpful, and genuine, and you’ll be rewarded.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The dreaded word, Covid, has been a challenge for all of us. But guess what? We’ve managed to keep our businesses thriving despite it all! We had to get creative and stay relevant to keep our clients interested and coming back for more. We kept in touch with our corporate clients, offered remote DJ sessions, and even created custom pre-recorded tracks for their virtual events. It was a tough time, but we stuck together and emerged stronger than ever. Now, we’re busier than we have ever been! Getting through the pandemic as a business owner was no easy feat, but we stayed positive and kept our spirits high. We’re here to stay!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.EliteEventAZ.com
- Instagram: EliteEventAZ
- Facebook: EliteEventAZ
- Youtube: EliteEventAZ
