Chris Velazquez has a lot to be proud of. Only a sophomore here at JMU, he has already accomplished so much including the founding of JMU’s Party Cartel! What started as just an idea has grown into a full team of disk jockeys, photographers, graphic designers, and sound/light technicians. We had the opportunity to sit down with Chris and learn a bit more about this amazing business.
How did the idea for Party Cartel come about?
The idea of Party Cartel started in high school many years before college was even in the picture. After breaking my leg playing soccer I was forced to take some time off of my feet and away from the team. While I was stuck in bed, my dad surprised me with my first DJ Mixer. I quickly taught myself the basics and studied the big names in the industry like Tiesto, A-Trak, & Swedish House Mafia. I had always admired Swedish House Mafia because of how they worked as a team of three DJs and Producers to create something bigger than themselves.
Wanting to be part of a team again, Chris met Eric Walisko (Co-Owner) on Facebook and told him about this idea. The summer before their freshman year, the two started brain storming, planning, and prepping for a launch event.
How has Party Cartel grown now that a year has passed since it’s initiation?
When we arrived on campus we had no idea what we were getting into. When we first started we didn’t even have our own speakers! Thankful we met Ty Walker (founder of Club Guilty) and he was extremely helpful in getting us started. It took several months of hard work, late nights, working for free, and networking to be able to grow Party Cartel into what it has become. If it hadn’t been so well supported by the students and community none of this would be possible.
How do you use social media to help the brand?
Social Media has been critical in growing our name. We love being part of the community and being able to interact with our followers. Each social media outlet has a slightly different purpose. Sometimes we use Facebook to update our followers about events, Twitter to talk about how much we love JMU, or even Tumblr to share bits of our personal lives.
So, what is the Party Cartel experience at a party?
The Party Cartel experience is the one stop shop for dance parties, raves, and all other types of college events. All of our DJs have many years of experience and are amazing at what they do! However the DJ is only half of the experience. The rest of the experience comes from using top of the line sound systems, intelligent lighting, and the highest quality photography & video. We really like bringing people together and showing them a great time.
How has this experience challenged you/prepared you for what you want to do after college?
Creating my own company has given me a lot of great work experience, opportunities, and challenges that I wouldn’t have been able to gain otherwise. I’m constantly challenging myself to produce bigger and better events, higher quality media, and developing cutting edge marketing strategies. Luckily, I’m surrounded by tons of great teachers and students who are incredibly eager to point me in the right direction and help. I’m still not entirely sure what I plan to do after college. I think it would be sweet to be able to apply everything I’ve learned through Party Cartel to help a bigger company or to even be part of another start up.
It’s pretty clear that Chris has a big future ahead of him. With a double major in Business Management and Media Arts and Design, as well as the growing success of a fledgling business, who knows what possibilities the future holds.