Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Jacobson.
Justin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my company as a sophomore at the University of Miami promoting parties and nightclubs to fellow students. This was at the turn of the century and the south beach nightlife scene was exploding. Liquor brands and other various companies found this outlet for students (who were of age) to try new flavors like “Cherry flavored Vodka”. Since my promotion company had a pulse on the city, these various companies hired us to create these large scale tasting events. As a 19 year old kid, a six figure check looked like a retirement opportunity, but after you paid out the venue, the decor, the entertainment, furniture, etc. I was spending A-X and was only left with Y&Z. Sometime after graduation, I found a Bar Mitzvah mobile DJ company based out of a suburb of Chicago and made my first business acquisition at the age of 24. I found the value of the company because this would be my opportunity to own a warehouse full of lighting, sound, and staging. At first, the money was great doing Bar Mitzvah’s but then the recession struck. What was once a client spending $16,000 on a DJ package, was now spending $1600. I knew quickly I needed to change gears, so I turned to what I knew best… business. I reached out to every past liquor client and local Chicago based corporations. One of the first clients to work with us was Sara-Lee Foods, then created the biggest launch party for Proximo Liquors at the Chicago Shedd Aquarium, a four city roadshow for Bang & Olufsen, and finally landed Allstate Insurance. By 2013, our corporate event business was doing well, but I figured: “Hey I’m young, why not also work on the weekends?”, as Corporate work is mainly Monday-Friday. So, once again I focused on new avenues of the event industry and opened a floral and decor component to our business. Fast forward to today, and now we have become one of the fastest growing event production company in the nation. We have designed some of the most exquisite weddings including the first wedding at the newly renovated Ritz-Carlton, and one of the coolest pop-up shoppe’s and The Grammy’s kick off events for Conagra Foods. We are one of the very few, fully “in-house” production agency that produces nationwide and still headquartered here in Chicago!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth roads never made for experienced drivers, and as I always say boats weren’t made to stay docked. Every time I got 10 steps forward, I would be hit with something unforeseen and would have to take 5 steps back. From disgruntled employees, jealous industry peers who like to gossip, trucks breaking down on the Brooklyn bridge or in nowhere-ville USA going to an event, and the collapse of our nations economy. But no matter what, as a business owner: I’ve never quit, I’ve never given up, I’ve never thought maybe this isn’t for me.
The greatest quote for any business owner to know and live by comes from one of the greatest movie icons and that’s Rocky. ” Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”
Trust me, I might be younger than most of my industry peers, but I can assure you that I’ve experienced more set backs than anyone, but set backs, only prepare you to be set up to go forward.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Platinum Events – what should we know?
What I like to think our company is known for and what we specialize in the most is, understanding and listening to our clients. Yes, our decor and designs are setting all the new standards, but our ability to leave our egos at the door, and just listen to a client’s wants and needs is where we set the bar. While most companies are either a wedding company or corporate events agency, we’re both! You don’t go to one store for milk and another for eggs, and I felt that it’s important to offer the same approach to our clients. We have a nationwide email database for marketing purposes, and an array of in house event solutions. From some of the most talented florists, graphic designers, plush furniture, chic decor accessories, and even our lighting and warehouse is something you’d find out of a sci-fi movie because our logistics are that ahead of everyone else! Another aspect of why we’re different is because we believe in the philosophy that the answer is always “yes”, now what’s your question.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think the one characteristic any entrepreneur must posses is confidence. If a person “thinks” they will be successful, they have already failed before they started. If a person “knows” they will be successful they have already begun their quest to success. My father always taught that there is a HUGE difference people thinking and knowing they will succeed. Also, never think small. If you think small, that’s all you’ll ever be ( i.e. mom and pop shop) and that’s okay for some, it was never for me. The sky is not the limit, it’s just a better view. Also, no matter what, never EVER listen to the nay sayers…they’re just jealous. If you know in your heart (and gut) that you are on the right path, then, stay focused. Keep your head down, eyes on the prize, and block out the noise.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1918 Raymond Dr.
Northbrook, IL 60062 - Website: www.EnjoyPlatinum.com
- Phone: 847.291.8400
- Email: Info@EnjoyPlatinum.com
- Instagram: @PlatinumEvent
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlatinumEventsDesignChicago/
- Twitter: @PlatinumEvent
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