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

Hi Mike, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I was in high school, all my friends were playing in bands but they couldn’t get gigs. Most places that bands played at the time were bars or 18+ / 21+ clubs where even if the band could get on the bill, they wouldn’t get paid. I wanted to solve this problem so I started putting on all ages (alcohol free) events in the suburbs of Dallas, Plano to be specific. I didn’t realize that I was starting a business when I put on the first couple shows, I was just helping friends and doing something cool for my classmates and the community. As time has gone on I feel like this is my approach to any business I have started, I see a problem with the way things are being done, I want to fix it, so I do it my own way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I built my entire brand on being the underdog. My first company was named Third String with the idea of being the back up’s back up. I never expected for us to get big tours or put on festivals for 20,000 people over a weekend, but thanks to my passion for what I do, we have done both of these, multiple times. Our brand is build on being different. We take a special approach to everything we do whether it’s putting on concerts, managing artists, bringing artists to our recording studio, marketing a brand, or something else. It’s never easy to be your own boss, but it’s always worth it. Even in a year like 2020, there’s ways to thrive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Dallas is such an amazing city, it’s hard to narrow down my favorite spots. My favorite thing to do is entertain so showing people around is my speciality. First off I would suggest checking out a Dallas sporting event. Whether you’re a baseball, basketball, football, hockey, or soccer fan, we have it all here and all the games are exciting. My favorite would have to be the Mavs! As far as food and drink goes, some of my favorite spots are Will Call in Deep Ellum, Krio in Oak Cliff, Desperados Mexican Restaurant off of Greenville Ave, Sum Dang Good Chinese Food in Trinity Groves, and really any of the bars in Deep Ellum! Also, be sure to take a walk around White Rock Lake!

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?
My team for sure. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the support and passion of my team that works alongside me on my many projects I have come up with over the years. Most specifically, Orlando, Hunter, Matt, Kendrick, Jay, and former employees Michael, Jonathan, and Harrison who have gone on to do really cool stuff that continues to inspire me!

Website: https://mikeziemer.com
Instagram: @mikeziemer
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeziemer/
Twitter: @mikeziemer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeziemer/

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