I’ve been passionate about music my entire life. Always “THAT GUY” – making mix tapes, going to concerts and spending my spare time (and money) collecting music.

So in 1997, when my friend Annie’s wedding DJ cancelled three days before her wedding (!), she asked if I could take that musical knowledge and rescue her. I gulped a bit (well, really gulped a lot), but immediately agreed. The night turned out great. The music played. People danced. And a new era of my life began.

I began to DJ many of my friends’ weddings. It was the most rewarding thing I’d ever done. I loved it so much that I left my corporate job in 2004. Ever since, DJing has been my profession and my passion.

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I was a newspaper reporter in my 20s. I covered everything from murder trials to county fair to billion-dollar financial transactions. The common thread in EVERY story, though, was that I listened intently so I could accurately report what people said. The skills from that experience still help me today. As we plan, I ask a lot of questions and actively listen to fully understand what people want from their events. Sometimes, good questions help me extract the perfect piece of information to introduce a member of the wedding party. Other times, I’ll interview a couple and include their own story in their own words in a unique first dance.

Bring on Seattle

Later, I spent a decade in the corporate world at the “Redmond Software Giant.” I ran all sorts of large events, including one with then-CEO Steve Ballmer as the featured speaker. I flew across the country doing software demos in front of passionate groups of users, which helped me hone my speaking skills.

Today, as an MC, I guide the evening with an unobtrusive touch. Guests will know what’s going on. What’s coming up. Who’s about to give a toast. They won’t miss ANY of your special moments. I bring the humor, but steer well clear of “Cheesy DJ” territory.

WHY?

It often feels to me like the rest of my life was building up to prepare me for this career. I feel so fortunate that the things I’ve done have come together and fit so well. The big hug at the end of the night from a couple who just had an amazing wedding is incredibly satisfying.

I live in the Green Lake area of Seattle with my incredible wife Sarah and our 12-year-old twins, Jake and Lauren (collectively referred to as “The Tornados.”) So yes, both personally and professionally, I most certainly rock the minivan.