My Biz: A DJ's business can stressful

Name: Raines Sackett

Title: DJ/Owner

Company: Encore Entertainment

Phone: (319) 431-6323

Website: Find it on Facebook

Elevator speech: “Some people need that one song”

CEDAR RAPIDS - Raines Sackett and his wife had a horrible experience at their wedding. The disc jockey they'd hired mispronounced their names and made other mistakes during the reception.

He even stole from them.

Shortly after that experience, a friend asked Sackett to DJ his wedding. It was during that wedding Sackett realized how much he enjoyed the work.

“I thought about it, and it occurred to me that if I paid that much for my wedding DJ - who did an awful job - that I could charge less and give more,” he said. “I love music and entertaining, so why not start my own business?”

So with his father as his business partner, Sackett invested in the equipment needed to get Encore Entertainment started, more than six years ago.

Working as a DJ isn't as simple as it sounds, Sackett was quick to point out, however.

“A lot of people think that DJing is just showing up and playing some music, but it's much more than that,” he said.

A lot of planning goes into each event, Sackett said, to make sure a wedding reception or event goes off without a hitch - and not just pronounce names correctly. The DJ needs to keep the event running smoothly and on schedule, play the correct songs, coerce guests onto the dance floor, have the songs that likely will be requested and mix up the music so that everyone will enjoy the occasion.

“It keeps me on my toes. That's why I prepare ahead of time,” he said.

Preparations include finding and downloading songs, preparing slide shows - an additional service - building playlists, loading the lighting and checking with clients for any notes or last-minute changes.

Keeping up with technology also is a serious investment.

“I have replaced all my old lighting with the LED versions, upscaled my lasers, started to invest in up lighting and purchased new laptops and iPods,” he said.

Sackett works a variety of events that require music, but specializes in weddings.

“I am the only person you will deal with from the first phone call to the final handshake or hug good night after the reception or event. I am very passionate about what I do and take each and every reception, party, or event personally,” he said. “I know how important they are.”

And he works hard to get everyone out on the dance floor.

“If I see someone dancing in their chair, I'll go up to them, introduce myself, mention that I noticed that it looks like they are having a good time, and ask if they have any requests or if there is a song that I could play that will get them to take the dance moves to the dance floor,” Sackett said.

“I don't push. Some people need that one song that can do the trick.”