We recently connected with Travis Wackerly and have shared our conversation below.
Travis, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Talk to us about building your team? What was it like? What were some of the key challenges and what was your process like?
In the past, I used to prioritize skill when hiring, but I learned that it often led down a precarious path. One memorable interview stands out, where a candidate boldly proclaimed themselves as the best DJ I’d ever meet. Instantly, I sensed they wouldn’t align with our culture of passionate DJs. Similarly, another candidate asserted that I needed them due to their experience, prompting a swift conclusion to the interview.
I’ve grown cautious about the allure of experienced individuals, unless their attitude resonates with the wisdom of the great basketball coach, John Wooden: “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” Recently, when faced with nearly a hundred applicants for a position at FCM, many highlighting their experience, I made an unconventional choice. The person I hired reached out directly, admitting their lack of experience but expressing an insatiable desire to learn. Their proactive approach, calling to ensure I had noticed their resume, spoke volumes. I met them the next day, and their enthusiasm was palpable. Without even glancing at their resume, I knew they were the right fit.
I recall a lesson from Dave Ramsey, who emphasized that if a candidate doesn’t radiate passion when discussing the role, it’s a red flag. In my experience, the least experienced individuals I’ve hired have often blossomed into the best performers over time. They possess a rare quality: the ability to evaluate their experiences and continuously improve.
Reflecting on the DJ world, there’s a poignant question: have you done 1000 weddings, or have you done 1 wedding 1000 times? It underscores the importance of evaluated experience in fostering growth. These are the individuals I seek—those driven by passion and eager to expand their knowledge.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Approximately 12 years ago, fueled by my profound passion for music and the desire to share that passion with others, I embarked on the journey of establishing my own business. Our primary offerings include Live Music and DJ/MC services. In an industry where many companies sound indistinguishable in their claims of uniqueness, I must confess, I’ve fallen into that trap too. However, let me simplify it for you: we genuinely prioritize the entirety of your event experience. For us, it’s not merely about showing up and playing the right tunes at the right time. We recognize that the essence of joy is the heart of our clients’ significant days. Thus, we understand the pivotal role our demeanor plays in shaping the outcome. We take pride in arriving with genuine smiles, dedicated to setting a positive tone and ensuring your celebration is nothing short of extraordinary.
How’d you meet your business partner?
I discovered a talented musician performing at a coffee shop in town. I decided to recruit him as a musician for our company. Soon after, he adopted a collaborative attitude, using language such as ‘we’ when discussing business strategies. This shift made me feel like we were truly partners, jointly steering the course of our enterprise, rather than him merely following my directives as the boss. Over the years, our relationship has blossomed into a deep friendship that I cherish even more than the substantial contributions he’s made to our business.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Maintaining a consistently positive outlook is key, as is selecting team members who naturally exude positivity. Engaging with individuals like mothers of the bride, couples, wedding coordinators, and fellow vendors who share this optimistic perspective not only reflects well on oneself but also enhances the appeal of our brand. I firmly believe in offering genuine compliments, ones that stem from sincere appreciation rather than hollow flattery. For instance, I once encountered a mother of the bride who donned a refreshingly unique dress that caught my eye because it was different than what you normally see mother of the brides in. Stepping out from behind the DJ booth, I complimented her choice, assuring her that my colleague shared the sentiment to alleviate any potential awkwardness. This simple gesture sparked a delightful conversation about her savvy shopping finds and the shoes she was wearing that she bought for $8, underscoring the power of authentic praise in fostering connections. Reflecting on past experiences, I’ve learned that insincere flattery leaves a bitter aftertaste, reinforcing my commitment to sincerity in all interactions. Genuine compliments not only bolster our reputation as individuals others enjoy being around but also contribute to a more enriching and fulfilling professional environment. Want a good reputation, have a good attitude and notice the good in others, and point them out.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fcmentertainment.com
- Instagram: fcmentertainmentco
- Facebook: fullcirclemelody
- Youtube: @fcmentertainment4683