We had the good fortune of connecting with Ed Markwardt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ed, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
When I started my company, it was that moment when I wanted to leave a legacy. It wasn’t a legacy at being the best at anything. It was a legacy to be the best to people. I wanted to make a difference. Being a wedding DJ is the most rewarding career I have ever been a part of. So much joy surrounding two people on one night just makes my heart happy. Since starting my company I have been fortunate to give back in amazing ways. We are the DJ company for Special Olympics in Dallas, and we have been a part of many fundraisers, mostly for cancer research. When all is said and done I want to be known for being kind to everyone I meet and that I did good things to make this world a better place.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started as a DJ in the industry in 2009 through a national DJ company. Two years later I left the company and was going to retire but then one person (Blair Walker) found my card and told me I was going to DJ his wedding. Long story short, one conversation with him caused me to start my own company, It was very tough getting started in what seemed to be a saturated industry. But I held true to myself and got my name out into the public and started booking weddings. Through my journey I have learned to stay in my lane and focus on the couples. Unfortunately there is a lot of drama in the wedding industry and my focus needs to be on my couples. Life lesson I have learned: Stay humble. There are a lot of egos and to be successful one must be grounded. No one is better than anyone else. I believe what sets us apart is how we treat each couple. They are not clients. They are people who fell in love and chose me to be a part of their special day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I will be honest. If I am not at a wedding, I am with my family. That really is the best place I feel I want to be.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
All the wedding professionals who have stood by me to help me grow.

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