At what point do you get to say “I made it”?
When can you say “Mission accomplished”?
Has there been a protocol set for the moment when you can feel like you’ve turned the corner?
These thoughts all occurred to me as September 1st approached, thus bringing an end to my first year as a “full-time” DJ/Entertainer. And I’m not even sure that I can call it my first year as a full timer, because I really feel like I had been working two full time jobs for at least the previous couple of years. But whatever the case, this past twelve months has been my first year exclusively as a business-owner, DJ/Entertainer. And, though I know there are no guarantees that one year in business assures the next ten or fifteen years of success (think marriages here), I do get a bit of satisfaction to think I’ve “made it” through a full cycle of the calendar, and I think of the people that looked at me with bewilderment when they first heard of my impending desire to make the move.
“Are you sure you know what you are doing?” was the question I was most often asked. “You are going to give up a good paying, secure job to do what?” I was quizzed. “What are you doing dummy??” [my Dad].
And those were just the comments that I heard personally. I can only imagine what was said around the water coolers or kitchen tables. I know they only had my best interests in mind.
So now I can say, at least up to this point, I have succeeded, and if anything negative should happen from here on out, at least I’ve had the opportunity to do what I love to do. So at this time, as we complete our first year of full-time status, I would like to thank the people that have been so helpful along the way:
To Bob and Ted, my co-workers in this adventure, it is said that behind every successful man there is a good woman, and in business I believe it is just as true that behind every successful company, even the teeny tiny ones, there is good help. Alexxus Entertainment has never been an ‘I’m-the-boss, you’re-the-employee’ type scenario. We have all contributed a great deal, and no one could have better help than I have.
To Dave Dunnam, my website designer, computer advisor and good friend, he has bailed me out so many times, my pen would have run out of ink if I would have sent him a thank you note for each and every time he was there for me.
Thanks Dave.
To Chris Feldman, our, for lack of a better word, musicologist. Many times I have turned to Chris for those impossible to find songs and he always seems to have them. He has also been a great help in our Pop Quiz Game Show too. You’re the best Chris.
Thanks to the Dubuque Advertiser, the leeway you gave me for all the years I worked there is really what enabled me to take this on anyway. Although I’m not an 8-5 worker there anymore, I remain “on call” and will be there whenever they need me. I’m also still involved in the office football and basketball pool there – some things you just can’t give up.
Gratitude is also owed to Terry Sullivan of the Small Business Development Center and realtor Dave Hansel for their savvy business advice. And on that note, to my accountant Dorothy Gantz, who has always done more than just crunch numbers for me.
Thanks to my wife Laurie, who without her patience and support, this would never have been possible.
And finally, yes I’ve saved the best for last, those of you who continually support and refer us, a hundred thanks to you!!
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Adios, Ted Boge!
It is with both regret and excitement that we have to say goodbye to one of the cornerstones of Alexxus Entertainment. Ted Boge, who has been with us for nearly six years, is heading south in the early days of October. Ted’s wife recently graduated with her master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and has landed a job as an English Professor in the Dallas, Texas area. A native of Texas herself, Kelly has probably seen enough snow in these last few years to last her a lifetime. So, as I noted above, we are happy that Ted gets to start a new chapter in his life, but we know that we will have irreplaceable shoes to fill.
Good Luck Ted!
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