Today we’d like to introduce you to Josef Schein.
Josef, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Back in the early ’80s, I started working for a small DJ company as a music purchaser and eventually as a roadie. It was not until 1983 that I had an opportunity to debut as a DJ, and the rest is history. I mostly did house parties within the San Fernando Valley, with the occasional club engagement at places that have long since been forgotten.
In the ’90s, I nearly gave it all up to raise a family but opted to switch gears instead. I began doing corporate events and the occasional fundraiser. My first wedding was for a young Hispanic couple, who were so happy with what I had done that they gave me my first tip. That was also my first time on the microphone and the first time I was accosted by a guest. Good times!
It wasn’t until a few years back that I joined an organization of DJs and Master of Ceremonies, where I got the opportunity to work with some of the most talented artists in the Wedding and Event industry in Los Angeles. These collaborations have enabled me to develop better business acumen, polish up on my interpersonal skills, and overall improve my technique, elevating my craft to where it is now.
Has it been a smooth road?
Overall, It has been as smooth a road as it needed to be. Author Terry Fellis wrote “With challenges come perseverance and gumption. With hardship come resilience and resolve. With purpose come strength and understanding.” I get that.
Both Personally and professionally speaking, I’ve been fortunate enough to be paying attention while life dealt me with the lessons it thought I should have.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
We provide DJ and Master of Ceremony services for celebrations.
A DJ is the mood setter. He is the person responsible for using music to accompany the various segments of a party, raise the spirits and of course make it all fun.
The Master of Ceremonies is the RingMaster. Their job is to keep the schedule rolling, maintain order with the multitude of things that happen during a celebration, and present it to the guests and clients in a palatable manner.
All in all, we help our clients organize, coordinate and manage all aspects of their event. Like all good companies out there, we focus on providing customized high-quality service and excellent customer satisfaction.
What sets me apart from others in an industry that is unregulated, where anyone that can afford the equipment calls him/herself a DJ?
I’d like to think that while others do this for a living, I live this for a living. I study and educate my clients on the history and traditions associated with their festivities. Often, this education translates to more freedom of expression, higher levels of creativity and budgeting without breaking the bank. I get really personally involved.
I had to learn to allow myself to be proud of the work I do. I am most proud of the fact that we are busy enough to be able to contribute our services to non-profit organizations whose work is near and dear to my heart.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is a great place where to do business. The diversity, the opportunities and the creativity that exists in Los Angeles is unlike anywhere else in our country. It’s the Angelinos that make it a great place where to do business.
That said, anyone starting out would do well to do their homework before trying to establish themselves here. Most recently, regulations have been passed that might end up hurting our industry. Favorably, It might end up scaring off those that just dilute the talent pool.
Pricing:
- Wedding Packages starting at $1000
- Private Parties Packages starting at $600
- Corporate Event Packages starting at $800
Contact Info:
- Website: www.danseforte.com
- Phone: (818)564.1674
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danseforte
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danseforte
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/danse-forté-entertainment-los-angeles-2
Image Credit:
Ryan Bethke Photography
Jeff Atlas
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