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

Hi Mike, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

1992, we had just opened out doors.. and were building a business focusing on booking and producing talent for the cruise , casino, and night club industry. An old friend had accepted a position with a Native American tribe, who were opening a casino.. The industry was so new, but it was ripe with opportunity, however to work in the jurisdiction, you were required to be licensed (in that particular state, and with that tribe). The cost of the license was around $10,000.00 .. and we just didn’t have the money. We maxed out every credit card, and started the licensing process. You paid the fee, plus the expense of any investigations (on yourself!).. but hands down, insures the legitimacy of every agreement.

Mike, 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?

BIO

Mike Moloney started his career as a touring musician in the 70’s and 80’s playing the L.A. and Orange County music scene, From the 1970’s, touring North America, Europe performing as a frontman for The Bottom Line, to doing a variety comedy guitar single. Mike eventually found his way to the stages of the high seas, and never looked back. After nearly 20 years performing he made his way to the other side of the desk, and spent several years working for the major cruise lines in managerial and executive positions. In 1992 Mike formed MMEC Productions, booking and producing entertainment, headline acts for Performing Art Centers, Theaters, Casinos, and Cruise Lines. MMEC has produced over (1000) one thousand major concerts with artists ranging from Air Supply to ZZ TOP, Ringo Starr, Supertramp and many others. Mike wrote and produced multiple award winning productions, including Liverpool Knights, Street Corner Singing, Showstoppers “Live” and Jersey Rocks.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

the creative process is the best part of this business.. We’ve had up to twelve original shows running (around the world).. from he initial idea, building the story and script, working with scene designers, choreographers, wardrobe designers, and music production to build a final product.. and then see it perform.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

1997 we were opening a new showroom, we had a verbal agreement with an outside company (to produce the final product) for a seven week run.. Things went south quickly, during a late night meeting, the company came up with new demands, money, marketing control, and additional financial requirements. The meeting ended the way (no meeting should).. the agreement was dissolved.. and we were left with a 7 week vacancy.. for a room opening in 6 weeks. With our back against the wall, it was do or die.. and our own show was created. We opened (as scheduled).. with just a few needed adjustments. Following the 7 week run, we were offered an additional 7 weeks, then another, and another.. That first 7 week contract turned into a twelve (12) year run.. and the show still picks up spots where needed.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.mmec.com
• Instagram: mikemmec
• Facebook: Mike Moloney, MMEC Productions
• Linkedin: Mike Moloney

Image Credits

ZZ TOP, Mike with Brian Wilson, Mike with Bob Saget, The Band Perry, Mike with the Swon Brothers, Mike and Jeff Bridges