Meet Terry “Sky” Walker of Bonfire ATL LLC in Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terry “Sky” Walker.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved from Brooklyn New York to Atlanta in 1999 after getting into some trouble with $150 and three outfits. After about a year, I became homeless. At my lowest point, I remember stealing from Home Depot and returning the items for cash just to be able to eat. I was only 19 so I would meet college girls at Clark Atlanta University, visit them, and then (after leaving) I would look around their dorm to find a janitor closet to sleep in until the janitor came to work. Eventually, I applied and was accepted to Clark Atlanta University where I slept on friends’ couches until I got on my feet. I eventually started a company named Round Table Entertainment with Antonio Toney at which time, we started throwing parties. Working in the nightlife took a toll on my grades and I transferred to American Intercontinental University where I received my bachelor’s and masters in marketing. I met my wife in 2004 and married her ten years later (one year after our daughter was born). I then went back to school for my doctorate in international business. In 2014, I performed at an outdoor/indoor event geared towards Atlanta’s creatives named Bonfire ATL. The event shut down for a year, changed locations. Upon reopening, I became the first food vendor. After more professional seasoned vendors started working the event, I eventually faded to black. I then opened a photobooth company and started servicing Bonfire ATL. After a year, I became the events talent booking agent. I then became the promotions manager of the event’s parent company. After a year of that, I became an owner/partner of the event.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Upon becoming an owner, my new partners and I faced push back from not only one of the former owners but from the City of Atlanta as well. The city didn’t understand what the event was and attempted to shut it down. We then went on the move the event every week for the following year. This meant transporting huge stages, sound, lights, games, vendors, etc. We are also dealing with police, city officials, and attorneys during this event tour we found ourselves on. Eventually, our customer base fought for us and their loyalty made us a pillar in Atlanta’s creative community.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bonfire ATL LLC – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Bonfire ATL LLC is comprised of three companies and a lone partner. Media Mafia/Pop ATL owned by Brian “Flex” Wynder and Amichi “Meechi” Bertrand. They specialized is media production, graphic design, and merchandising. Takeoff ATL is owned by Kevin “King Fresh” Shands. They specialized in event production and talent booking. Pay it Foward 247 Corp is my (Terry Walker’s) company. We specialize in strategic business to business partnerships and community outreach. Last but not least, our other partner Mohommad Hadizedah specializes in logistical management and employee relations. Since we have acquired the company, we have taken it from an underground taboo event to one of the most recognized brands in Atlanta even branching out into club ownership, marketing, and luxury condo and car rental. Each partner is dedicated to pushing the brand forward regardless of any accolades. That alone sets us apart from our “competitors.”

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are in the process of opening our own venue and expanding our luxury rental service. We have acquired a BMW i8, and Aston Martin, a Maserati, and a condo in one of the nicest high-end building in Atlanta. We are looking to service the entertainment industry and corporations by renting our cars and condos out for movies, music videos, commercials, and corporate travelers. Our venue will house some of the most prominent events in the city.

Pricing:

• Early Bird Tickets ($5 women/$10 men)
• $10 women at the door
• $20 men at the door

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.bonfireatl.com
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/bonfireatl

Image Credit:
Aki the photographer

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.