Meet DJ Thomas Dean | Bespoke Wedding & Private Event DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with DJ Thomas Dean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ Thomas, how do you think about risk?
Thinking about risk involves assessing the potential benefits and drawbacks of a decision. In my career as a wedding DJ, taking calculated risks has played a crucial role in my growth and success. Here are some ways risk-taking has influenced my journey:

Career Choice: Choosing to pursue a career as a wedding DJ was itself a significant risk. It involved stepping away from more traditional career paths to follow a passion for music and entertainment.

Investment in Equipment: Investing in high-quality DJ equipment and technology required financial risk. However, this investment has paid off by enabling me to provide top-notch services and stand out in a competitive market.

Expanding Services: Offering additional services, such as lighting and event coordination, posed a risk of spreading resources thin. However, diversifying my offerings has attracted more clients and increased my revenue.

Client Interaction: Every event is unique, and adapting to the specific needs and preferences of clients can be risky. However, this flexibility has led to positive word-of-mouth referrals and a strong reputation in the industry.

Marketing and Branding: Investing time and money in marketing strategies, such as building a professional website and maintaining an active social media presence, involved risk. These efforts have significantly increased my visibility and client base.

Taking risks has been integral to my career development. While some risks haven’t always yielded immediate results, they’ve often led to valuable learning experiences and long-term growth. By carefully evaluating potential outcomes and being willing to step out of my comfort zone, I’ve been able to build a successful and rewarding career as a wedding DJ. You have to be willing to get and stay uncomfortable for a while before you can expect to find success.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business as a wedding DJ is built on a foundation of passion for music, dedication to exceptional service, and a commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for couples on their special day. Here’s a closer look at what sets me apart, the journey to where I am today, and the lessons learned along the way:

What Sets Me Apart
Personalized Experience: I start by taking the time to get to know each couple, understanding their tastes, preferences, and vision for their wedding. This allows me to tailor the music and atmosphere to perfectly match their unique style and create a perfect soundtrack for the day.

Professionalism and Reliability: From the initial consultation to the last song of the night, I prioritize professionalism and reliability. I arrive early, come prepared with top-notch equipment, and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Versatility and Skill: With a broad knowledge of music and the ability to stay locked in with the people on the dance floor, I seamlessly blend different genres and styles, ensuring that every guest has a great time on the dance floor. Maintaining a balance between not being too predictable while not venturing into unfamiliar territory is key.

Comprehensive Services: Beyond DJing, I offer additional solutions for couples looking to streamline their wedding planning with lighting, atmospherics etc.

Journey and Challenges
Getting to where I am today has not been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Here’s how I navigated the journey:

Starting Out: Breaking into the wedding industry required building a reputation from scratch. I began by DJing at smaller events and gradually built a portfolio of happy clients and positive reviews.

Networking: Building relationships with other vendors, venues, and industry professionals has been crucial. Networking opened doors to new opportunities and referrals, helping to grow my business organically.

Continuous Learning: Staying updated on the latest music trends, technology, and wedding industry developments has been key. I’ve invested in courses, attended workshops, and participated in industry conferences to continually improve my skills.

Overcoming Challenges: There were times when bookings were slow or technical issues arose. I learned to stay resilient, troubleshoot effectively, and always have backup plans in place. Customer feedback was invaluable in refining my services and addressing any shortcomings.

Lessons Learned
Adaptability is Key: Every wedding is unique, and being adaptable to different styles, preferences, and unexpected changes is crucial.

Customer Satisfaction: Going above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction leads to positive word-of-mouth and repeat business. Happy clients are the best advertisement.

Value Relationships: Building strong relationships with clients and industry peers fosters trust and long-term success.

My Brand and Story
I want the world to know that my brand is built on a genuine love for using music as a tool to create core memories and a commitment to making each wedding day as special and memorable as possible. My journey has been one of hard work, continuous learning, and a dedication to excellence. Every event is an opportunity to create joy and lasting memories, and that is what drives me every day. Whether it’s through the perfect song choice, seamless coordination, or creating an unforgettable party atmosphere, I strive to bring joy and celebration to every wedding I’m a part of.
My website is www.EliteMobileEntertainmentLLC.com

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the greater Phoenix area for a week, I’d make sure to show them a mix of iconic attractions, hidden gems, and local favorites. Here’s a detailed itinerary to ensure they have the best time ever:

Day 1: Welcome to Phoenix
Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast at Matt’s Big Breakfast, known for its delicious and classic American breakfast options.
Afternoon: Visit the Desert Botanical Garden to explore the unique flora of the Sonoran Desert.
Evening: Dinner at Pizzeria Bianco for some of the best pizza in town, followed by a stroll around the historic Heritage Square.
Day 2: Arts and Culture
Morning: Head to the Phoenix Art Museum to enjoy a diverse collection of art.
Lunch: Grab a bite at The Duce, a unique spot with a vintage vibe offering classic American fare.
Afternoon: Explore Roosevelt Row Arts District, known for its vibrant street art and galleries.
Evening: Catch a show at the Orpheum Theatre or enjoy live music at The Van Buren.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventure
Morning: Early hike up Camelback Mountain for breathtaking views of the city.
Lunch: Relax and refuel at The Henry, offering a mix of American comfort food.
Afternoon: Visit Papago Park and check out the Hole-in-the-Rock formation.
Evening: Dinner at Taco Guild, housed in a historic church with a great selection of tacos and tequila.
Day 4: Day Trip to Sedona
Morning: Drive up to Sedona (about 2 hours from Phoenix) and have breakfast at Indian Gardens Café.
Day: Spend the day hiking the red rock trails like Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross for stunning views.
Evening: Return to Phoenix and have dinner at The Gladly, known for its craft cocktails and unique dishes.
Day 5: Scottsdale Day
Morning: Breakfast at Breakfast Club in Scottsdale.
Day: Explore Old Town Scottsdale with its charming shops, galleries, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
Lunch: Stop by Olive & Ivy for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine on the waterfront.
Afternoon: Relax at Scottsdale Fashion Square for some upscale shopping.
Evening: Dinner at FnB Restaurant, celebrated for its farm-to-table dishes, followed by drinks at Kazimierz Wine & Whiskey Bar.
Day 6: Fun and Relaxation
Morning: Brunch at Hash Kitchen, famous for its creative breakfast dishes and build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.
Day: Spend the day relaxing by the pool at a resort like the Arizona Biltmore or The Phoenician.
Evening: Casual dinner at OHSO Brewery, with great food and a selection of local beers.
Day 7: Exploring Tempe and Farewell
Morning: Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery in Tempe.
Day: Visit Tempe Town Lake for paddle boating or a leisurely walk. Explore the ASU Art Museum and Mill Avenue for shopping and more.
Lunch: Try House of Tricks, offering a cozy atmosphere and delicious menu.
Afternoon: Check out the Hall of Flame Fire Museum or SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium.
Evening: Dinner at Culinary Dropout at the Yard in Tempe, followed by a farewell drink at Four Peaks Brewing Company.
This itinerary blends outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and culinary delights, ensuring a memorable and fun-filled week in the greater Phoenix area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! My journey as a wedding DJ has been shaped and supported by many incredible people and influences. Here are a few shoutouts to those who deserve recognition:

My Family: Their unwavering support and encouragement have been the backbone of my career. From helping me set up for gigs to being my biggest cheerleaders, their belief in me has been invaluable.

Mentors and Fellow DJs: Several experienced DJs took me under their wing when I was starting out. Their guidance, advice, and shared experiences have been instrumental in honing my skills and understanding the industry.

Clients: Each couple and client I’ve worked with has contributed to my growth. Their trust and feedback have helped me refine my services and continually strive for excellence.

Music Community: The broader music and DJ community, both locally and online, has been a great source of inspiration and learning. Sharing ideas and staying updated on industry trends has been crucial to my success.

Educational Resources: Books and online courses about music production, business management, and marketing have provided me with the knowledge needed to run a successful DJ business. Titles like “This Is Your Brain on Music” by Daniel J. Levitin and online platforms like Coursera and Udemy have been particularly helpful.

Vendors and Venues: Collaboration with other wedding vendors and venues has enriched my network and created opportunities for referrals and joint projects. Their professionalism and partnership have made every event smoother and more enjoyable.

Friends: My friends have been a constant source of motivation and support. Whether it’s helping to spread the word about my services or offering constructive feedback, their role in my journey is deeply appreciated.

Last but not least, organizations and groups that I am a part of such as WIPA and The DJ Collective.

These people and groups have all played a part in my story, and I am incredibly grateful for their contributions to my career and success.

Website: https://www.elitemobileentertainmentllc.com

Instagram: @elitemobileentertainment

Twitter: @ThomasDeantheDJ

Facebook: https://facebook.com/EliteMobileEntertainment

Youtube: @dj_thomas_dean_official

Image Credits
The Shepards Photo