Meet Mark McElwain of Sullivan and Gregory Entertainment in Whittier

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark McElwain.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It’s funny…whenever you decide to start a business you take this jump, almost into the unknown. We had a connection that was looking for a more custom provider that could save her money as well. The catch to doing this was we had to invest over $50,000 to do the first job and we were only guaranteed about 1/4th of that back. So it was a risk. And it didn’t go well. But after many meetings we got a second chance and did EVERYTHING we could to prep for it and nailed it. From there we locked down the first customer and then ventured out to other verticals.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Ha! No! After our first gig – which as I mentioned didn’t go well at all – I probably didn’t sleep for three weeks. I was worried about the finances and how I tossed our kids future away and how that AMEX will never be paid off. We learned a lot. From there we learned you can’t count on many, many vendors, GOOD employees are hard to find and cash flow is king. I remember that we had to ship some gear from Baltimore from one show to another back in LA and it was time sensitive. The freight company in Boston just basically didn’t want to take the freight because it was late at night so we were put under a massive bind at 9pm on the east coast. Trouble! Lesson learned, you make enough phone calls and spend enough money you can get things done!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sullivan and Gregory Entertainment – what should we know?
We are event production company – you’ve been in those giant hotel ball rooms being: Power Pointed to death and we provide the projectors, screens, speakers, mics, etc. To steal a line from the movies, we’re the guy behind the guy. I think what sets us apart is that at every event an owner of the company is there. You need something done, it’s done. I’ve been at events where the coordinator has asked me to do something TOTALLY out of our scope and I happily pull the company card out and do it. And then bill her as well!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Rick McCrady. Rick, if you ever read this, I owe you. Rick is one of those guys that can make you believe in yourself when you don’t think you have a chance. He’s very inspiring and kid…like a walking, breathing TED talk. I think everyone needs a person like this when you’re being pulled in 19 directions, checks are not coming in and your best contact just got fired. Everyone needs a Rick then.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sullivanandgregory.com
• Phone: 8172622430
• Email: mark.mcelwain@sullivanandgregory.com
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandGAudioVideo

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