July 19, 2014
Friends,
I have some sad and exciting news to share with everyone. After 27 years as owner of Brian Pate Entertainment, I have decided to sell the DJ company.
I am at a point where spending my free time on weekends with my family is more important to me than anything else. In addition to that, I hope to continue to build my real estate business, and for the first time I will concentrate on only one thing.
Of course my primary job has always been that of “Daddy” to my daughters. This decision will give me more time to spend with them.
In the beginning of my career, my father “loaned” me about $4,000 to buy my first sound system, turntables and microphone. Even though I never paid him back financially for it, I think he saw what great joy it has brought to me as well as the fact it took me off of his payroll eventually. To my mother and father who financed my dream, I am truly grateful. They have been my biggest fans for my entire career.
I am very excited to announce that I have sold the company to one of my DJs, Rodney Holmes. Rodney and I have worked together since the late 1980s as friends and co-workers in the DJ business. He has an outstanding work ethic and customer service skills that are better than most you will find in any business.
Rodney will officially take over the company on August 1, 2014. The name will be changed to “First Choice Customized DJs- Formerly Brian Pate Entertainment.” At my request, he will cease using the BPE tag on June 30, 2015.
For those customers who have already booked me for their events, fear not! I will be completing all of the shows/events that I have already contractually agreed to. Once we have reached the end of this year, I will only have three or four shows left to do.
The timing is especially satisfying considering that WeddingIndustryExperts.com just named us the most popular DJ company in the United States. You have no idea how exciting that was for all of us here at BPE.
To the many friends and clients that have hired us over the years and entrusted us with the most special moments of your lives, I say thank you.
To my DJ brothers, especially in the Triangle DJ Association and the Dixie Dance Kings; you have made me a better DJ and better person.
There have been many individuals that have been instrumental over the last 27 years from guys that travelled with me to shows to help me with equipment to DJs that covered for me.
I especially want to thank two DJs. Tracy Telenko worked with me through what may have been the most difficult time in my life while I was in chemotherapy for my Lupus Nephritis. He played many shows during those 2.5 years with me lying under the table feeling horribly, while he played the music. Also, to Bill Smith, who played a gig for me on September 18, 1999, only 4 hours after my first daughter was born. The two of you helped me when it was most needed and I will always be appreciative.
Of course, the person that I need to thank the most is my wife Eileen. For over 22 years, she has put up with me travelling most weekends, dealt with both of our kids without me being home and has smiled and waved at events when necessary. I love you and look forward to spending more time with you.
Thanks again to everyone for your support and I will look forward to seeing you soon as a GUEST at events!
DJ Brian Pate
