Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to The Young Professor Matt Graifer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Matt, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
At the point I am at in my career currently: no, but I am closer every day. As a performer, I began as a bar room trivia host 7 years ago, to working in a tiny mall-front professional wrestling school less than 5 years ago, to being on stage at the Daytona International Speedway to introduce all of the NASCAR Cup Series drivers at the Coke Zero Sugar 400. The climb has been both fast and slow, but it has ALWAYS been upward.
I’d rather not divulge my process here, but consistent work has been the key ingredient as well as a fearlessness to ask for opportunities.
Matt, 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?
I am “The Young Professor”
These days I’m not that young, and also technically not a professor anymore… but I was both at one time and that name is a lot more memorable than just calling me Matt.
I’ve had a big mouth my whole life, and I have always loved to talk. It’s my superpower.
After being told how good I was at it for so long, I finally decided to do something about it and voila! The Young Professor was born!
While I obtained lots of practice with public speaking as an actual mid-twenties college professor, I began my entertainment career as a trivia night host for a few years before transitioning into a sports announcer. I got my start as a professional wrestling ring announcer and also got the opportunity to be the on-field host for the National Arena League (football) team The Jacksonville Sharks where I worked for two years. I then added boxing, MMA, and eventually professional baseball to my resume as my skills developed and my presence evolved.
I am now the host for the Daytona Tortugas Minor League Baseball team, a specialty announcer for The Savannah Bananas, the in-game host for the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles men’s and women’s basketball teams and I even got to perform as a live driver introductions announcer for NASCAR at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona.
I typically host about 150+ events per year and the demand for my services continues to grow. I sometimes combine hosting with my talents as a DJ and have also been brought on to events as a motivational speaker, as well.
My job is to make sure everyone at the event I am hosting has an incredible experience. I like to say that as The Young Professor I am able to “class up” any event to make it special and memorable.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas, has written two magnificent books that I believe EVERY creative AND business owner should read. His first book inspired me so much to the point where it has literally changed my life (I now work for him and have been able to learn from him directly as a result), but his second book is actually more impactful.
Fans First is the book everyone should read. It’s available on Amazon and is well worth your time to learn what has made his team and business so successful.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?
I feel fulfilled every time I get to perform. I still work a day job, which can often be less than fulfilling… but getting to supplement my income while pursuing my dreams and utilizing my creative energy is remarkably rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theyoungprofessormg.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theyoungprofessormg
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theyoungprofessor
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgraifer/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/YoungProfessorG
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/theyoungprofessor
Image Credits
Alan Rolette and Aldrin Capulong