Mobile Disc Jockey

Updated June 26, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

Fran Duffy

Owner/DJ Blockrockin Productions

Tell us about your work---what do you do? I own a company that provides mobile Disc Jockey services to my local area (New Jersey, Philadelphia, Delaware, New York). We do Weddings , Birthday Parties , Divorce Parties, Anniversaries , Corporate Events , as well as DJ's for local Nightclubs. What skills are needed? Our DJ's must have working knowledge of large audio and lighting systems . They need this intricate knowledge in order to properly assemble, troubleshoot and disassemble the many complex parts of these systems. What was your major? Music (Classical Guitar) How did you get started in your career? I started as a musician, playing professionally for 4 years. After I realized that being dirt poor my entire life didn't have the honor I that I once fantasized, I realized that the knowledge I had learned in audio could earn me good money as a sound tech . From there I started my own DJ Company. What experience do you need in this job? Sound & lighting tech skills , a good knowledge of music ( old & new), and an outgoing personality. You should also have a natural inclination to entertain. Describe your "typical" workday: I wake up at about 12 in the afternoon and start answering the phone. I do all the sales and office work myself. There's quite a bit of computer work (drawing up contracts, etc.) I will do equipment repairs on Monday & Tuesdays. During the week I have an endless supply of menial tasks that need to be done for the weeks' upcoming events. If I'm working at a club I'll go to work at around 10pm and spin until about 3:30 am. If I'm working at a party or Wedding I'll arrive an hour early, spin for about 4 or 5 hours, pack up & start it all over again the next day. In addition I need to make sure my guys that work for me have all the working equipment & music that they will need for their nights' events. It's a hectic schedule and it seems that I'll never get everything done that needs to be done, but it's one of the greatest jobs. I get paid for people have a good time and I love my boss. What is the hardest aspect of your job? Handling the pressure of making every event go well and accomplishing a seemingly endless workload. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? The satisfaction that I created something from nothing, and unlike most jobs that I've had in the past, no matter how hard I work (because it's my business) I know I will always be appreciated. And the girls!!! What are your suggestions for someone considering this field? You must love music and entertaining people. You should also be somewhat mechanically inclined.
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