Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Perry.
Kyle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a love for all types of music, everything from the 80’s to hip-hop to Italian Opera and anything in between. However, unlike most successful people in the music industry, I never found much success as a musician. After many failed attempts to play or sing music, I finally decided that my best performances were meant to be held in the car where no one else could hear me. Even though I had given up on music, it never gave up on me!
Almost 10 years ago, a family member asked my cousin and I to DJ her wedding. She attempted to tell us how we would make perfect DJs, but it wasn’t until she offered to pay us that we agreed to it as we were both broke college students. We then borrowed equipment, downloaded music and bought matching ties. We were shocked to have multiple inquiries about how much we charge, the name of our company and if we were available for various upcoming events after DJing her wedding. Over the next year and a half, I spent more time and money marketing ourselves than we actually made from DJing. I felt like my efforts were wasted at the time, but I now realize how much I learned from my first failed business.
Right before I had given up on owning a successful DJ company, I met a very successful DJ by the name of Benji Lewis. The timing could not have been more perfect for both of us as he had been searching for someone that he could trust to represent his self-built business, to allow him to spend more time at home with his wife and kids. For the next three years, under his guidance as my mentor and friend, I kept dance floors packed as a DJ at countless weddings, reunions, parties, and school dances all across southeast Georgia. Benji taught me more than I could ever imagine about the DJ industry. Despite the large amount of success that the two of us found together, it was time for me to use the knowledge he taught me and bring my talents to the metro Atlanta area.
Since moving to Cobb County, I have worked, and continue to work diligently to establish myself as one of metro Atlanta’s most sought out events DJ. Even though I do some marketing, my business still mainly thrives on word of mouth recommendations.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As the saying goes, ‘if it were easy, everyone would do it.’ I am where I am today because of hours of dedication, commitment to my goals, and surrounding myself with a strong support team. One of the most valuable people on my support team is my wife, Kristi. She believes in me even when I don’t and always encourages me to do better than I think I’m capable of doing.
It would be a lie to say that I have never felt like quitting, but pushing through those moments of weakness has helped me find success. I wouldn’t trade the memories I’ve made or the amazing people I’ve met through DJing for anything!
Ultimate Sound Disc Jockey Company – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am the sole owner and operator of Ultimate Sound. When clients work with me, I am the only person they will work with beginning with a quote and ending on the day of their event. This type of relationship decreases the chances of any potential miscommunications. Almost all of the events that I DJ are weddings, but I do DJ birthday parties, school events, reunions and anywhere else music is needed!
Fortunately, I do not depend on DJ events to keep food on the table as I teach elementary school full time. This gives me the flexibility to work with brides and their budgets. I am always willing to negotiate a price. It is my belief that a bride should not have to choose between breaking the bank or having their cousin with an iPod and speakers, to provide music for their special day. Utilizing my outgoing personality, knowledge of music, and past experiences, I am able to provide clients with a premier service for a budget-friendly price.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success comes in all shapes and sizes. A small success for me is booking my target number of events for a calendar year. On the other hand, a large success is when the guests at an event don’t want to leave because of how much fun they’re having or when a bride and groom hug me at the end of the wedding and tell me that I made their wedding day even more memorable.
I choose to be a DJ because it is a passion of mine. When my passion bleeds through me and brings happiness into someone else’s life, then I have found success!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.facebook.com/ultimatesounddjcompany
- Phone: (478) 986-7584
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ultimatesounddjcompany
Image Credit:
Luke Smith, Jason Hurst
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