Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Christenson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The very first wedding I played music for, was my High School’s librarian. Don’t ask. Wow. I had no idea what I was doing. Oh it went great!! I just have learned that weddings are not exactly what we always thought they were.
I have now reached my 4th decade of weddings.
(Side stuff) At that same time I began my career in radio which eventually brought my family to north Texas. 100.3 JAMZ in Dallas, then onto the ABC Radio Network, & now on the Westwood One Radio Network.
I was also a Reserve Captain for the Lewisville Fire Dept. At the end of ABC Radio Network, I was talking with one of the Chief’s. I was out of a well-paying job, I loved, and didn’t know what to do to replace that income. I need to provide for my wife and two children.
He looked me square in the eye and said, “You already have a job, you just need work.” I told him I didn’t understand.
“You’re a Wedding DJ.”
“Yeah, well I just do that on the side.”
“Well, Don’t! I’ve heard you. That is a gift”
End of discussion, not another word all weekend. Monday Morning, the phone started ringing with Brides. That has now been 7 years of full calendars without anything more than God’s gift of passion for Music and inspiring crowds with it.
This is where things get complicated to explain. I feel so blessed. The people I’ve met, the places I’ve been able to go and national platforms I’ve had the pleasure to stand upon.
All this balled together, has taught me how watch how people react to any given situation. I can usually pick exactly where we will be going to the night’s music before dinner is even completed.
I do everything on an psychological basis I know that if I have people in the room do “this”, the guests, will in turn “Do that” Human Behavior. I use those heavily in a wedding to make sure everyone has an unbelievable experience.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road I am on is Heaven! I am blessed to have been given a special talent that I can use doing both my jobs. National Radio Announcer and Dallas/Ft. Worth Wedding DJ. I doing what I love to do, playing music is such a way that it literally moves the crowd without me saying a word. Don’t get me wrong, I do speak. And after having spent 44+ years speaking for a living, you get a professional smooth voice speaking to your guests. I am so hungry to see the guests respond to the Wedding Couple’s reception. When the newlyweds begin smiling along with the guests, I begin to feel the chemistry of the room change and “everybody have fun tonight!”
I take it upon myself to educate couples, on “how to hire a wedding DJ” before we talk. It is so much more than “How Much do you cost.”
Just like choosing what wedding ring you want. You learn about the Color, Clarity, Cut and Shapes. With DJ’s there are even more factors to consider. Experience, passion, knowledge of all kinds of music-old and new, how the DJ responds to “events” that occur. This list is surprising to most. “I never thought of that… What should we do?”
Please tell us about Jay Fox Productions.
Jay Fox Productions is a one man show. In business since 1974, my entire life has been revolving around the Wedding Industry.
I’m known for the sound of my voice, how smoothly the evening goes with no dead air, no drop outs in sound, everything is professionally delivered. The music is generally dictated by the guests. I react to their responses. I keep a tight rein on the music mix to stay within the Bride and Grooms wishes, but you have to remember, the reception is actually the couple’s Thank You to the guests for attending. I have to entertain the Guests. The more fun the guests are having, the happier the couple will ALWAYS be.
Many ask what the secret to my success is. The “Secret Sauce” is not really secret. I pay attention to the wishes of the wedding couple and include as close to 100% as possible. The evening is filled with laughter, tears, smiles and fun.
In many cases, I love to add an element that is unexpected by everyone. (Except the bride… I will NEVER surprise her on her day. That makes her uncomfortable and it makes me look like I’m searching for thank you’s from everyone.) I learned, in a consultation, the story of how a Groom had given his autographed Nolan Ryan baseball to his son. He had also named his son after Nolan Ryan. Strong Father Son Bond! His son was so proud of that ball.
Until someone stole the ball.
As soon as I heard this story, I secretly set out to get a replacement ball for him. Within the evening’s events, during the toasts, the Bride surprised her Husband with a newly Autographed (and documented) Nolan Ryan Baseball. Made her look like Superwoman. He looked like a Hero to his son and everyone shared his tears. Needless to say, the power of a good deed goes forward. The review I received from the couple was superb! I booked another 3 weddings off of Guests and Wedding party members. That’s usually the way it happens. Throughout the reception, people will come up and ask for a business card. Sometimes, Brides will tell me when one of their bridesmaids is about to contact me. It doesn’t always happen, but enough to keep me busy.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have respected the True Ladder of Success, sooner. That is, as you are learning your career, always reach up the success ladder to someone you admire and respect and learn from them. Learn the secrets they’ve come to know and life hacks to make something a bit easier. (I always say, this business is a lot like Swimming. You cannot learn it in a classroom, you have to jump in the pool.) But more importantly, always turn around and help someone below you up, with lessons you can share. Some of those, “I wished someone had told me what to expect” things. The life hacks you’ve learned and can share to make their journey smoother. It will always come back to you. That is True Success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jayfoxproductions.com
- Phone: 214-725-1203
- Email: jeff@jayfoxproductions.com
- Instagram: JayFoxProductions
- Facebook: JayFoxProductions
- Twitter: Jay Fox
Image Credit:
Christina Archibald
Kent Evans Photography
Christina Truelove Photography
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