We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marlon Reid a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Marlon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

My mission as a business owner is to offer world-class service for a reasonable price. This was the case with one of my customers this past year.

One of my network partners reached out to me and asked me to help out their friend who was getting engaged and hosting an engagement party for their family.

The network partner informed me that this client was on a tight budget and asked if I could simply DJ for their event.

I agreed and decided to bring my entire arsenal of equipment, lights, and speakers. Once the future Mr. and Mrs. arrived at the venue both of them were overcome with emotions.

Later that night both the future Mr. and Mrs. came to me and expressed how much they appreciated me going above and beyond to make their event feel like a red carpet event and after-party.

The event participants had such a great time that they requested me to stay later and continue to keep their vibe going.

The parents of the soon-to-be even offered a toast to me and my team for making this night special.

Marlon, 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 DJ 40, and I entered the party and entertainment business because of my passion for music and my joy in seeing people have a great time.

My journey began as a house party DJ, playing for family and friends during holiday gatherings. A fellow entrepreneur invited me to join his improv troupe for a holiday show, which inspired me to invest in computers and JBL PartyBox speakers. I utilized Virtual DJ and Tidal to curate a diverse music selection and manage requests effectively.

As I honed my craft, word of mouth helped me gain clients. To meet growing demands, I upgraded my audio equipment and lighting, providing an affordable option for clients seeking a memorable experience. I worked within their budgets, which led to increased repeat business.

I learned that most people simply want music they enjoy, not a DJ show-off. This insight led me to create personalized playlists that included their favorite songs while mixing in popular hits.

My strategy kept me busy in 2023 with about 6 to 7 gigs, and in 2024, I hosted 15 to 20 events, including shows, parties, karaoke nights, and street markets.

I take pride in my successes and challenges, but what matters most to me is the satisfaction of my clients. I want them and their loved ones to remember the energy and joy my music brought to their experiences.

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

Throughout my journey, I have played music for various events, including birthday parties, social gatherings, grand openings, and street markets. These experiences have allowed me to expand my business while creating a diverse compilation of music for all listeners.

In my day job, I work with youth in my county. One summer training session took me to St. Louis, Missouri, where I had the chance to visit a local nightclub on Karaoke Night. The atmosphere was incredible, filled with people from all walks of life who were just there to have a great time, enjoy some music, and sing a few songs.

It was during this experience that I realized I needed to incorporate karaoke into my services. Upon my return, I invested in additional software, upgraded audio equipment, and developed a new mission to bring karaoke to my area.

Since then, I have hosted several Karaoke Nights, including two successful events at the local Bodega Y Taqueria in Downtown West Palm Beach. These events were a hit, leading the marketing manager of Bodega to book me for a Holiday Party at another location.

The videos and photos I shared with her after the event showcased their clients having an amazing experience. As a result, both the manager and the marketing director from both locations are now collaborating with me to host more Karaoke Nights on a weekly basis.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

My wife gifted me my first DJ controller after I had been using free Virtual DJ software and a small radio for family events. Once I got the Numark Partymix, I realized I needed to upgrade to book parties outside my family.

To grow, I began investing my own money into the business. Each paycheck went toward better equipment, and I sometimes turned down gigs to ensure my clients had a great experience.

As my business expanded, I carefully budgeted and reinvested earnings, even relying on my finances to support business needs. As a first-time business owner, it felt like learning to fly before walking.

I connected with other entrepreneurs, sharing equipment and jobs to manage costs. Building my network was essential, as I started this journey not to become a top-tier DJ but to provide affordable, quality service for those wanting a good time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://harmonious-muziek.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: thee_dj_40
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555232284801&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits

Credit-Tiffany Piters
Credit-Ernest Mitchell