08/30/2026
Six months… almost seven. Where did the time go?
When my friend and brother from another mother, Ray Grace, asked me to carry on the legacy of Ray the DJ, I knew it was an incredible honor. What I didn’t fully realize was just how much I was about to learn.
I’ve spent nearly four decades behind the microphone and behind the DJ booth, but becoming a business owner has taught me an entirely different side of this industry. Accounting, payroll, overhead, contracts, employees, contractors, marketing—and yes, occasionally waking up in the middle of the night wondering about all of it.
Today, I’m incredibly proud that we have an accounting and payroll team in place helping keep the business running smoothly. And I absolutely could not do this without our Office Queen, Brenda Evans, who has been part of Ray the DJ for more than 30 years. I’m still learning everything Brenda does—and I’ve learned very quickly that understanding her job is not optional!
Then there is our amazing DJ family. The talent, experience, personalities and diversity within this team make me incredibly proud. Traditional American weddings, bilingual Spanish celebrations, Indian weddings, German, Italian and multicultural events—we have a team capable of bringing so many different celebrations to life.
And we’re not standing still. I’m currently talking with some talented young DJs who could potentially become part of our family. Experience is priceless, but every legacy also needs its next generation. Finding the right people—people I can trust to represent the Ray the DJ name is something I take very seriously.
There’s another person I think about often through this journey: my dad. He was a television producer in Germany who managed teams of audio professionals, camera crews and production people. Three years after losing him, I sometimes smile realizing that, in my own way, I’m now doing something very similar. I know he would be proud. I like to believe he’s still watching all of this unfold right alongside me💙
Most of all, I’m grateful.
Grateful to Ray and Barbara Grace, who built this incredible company and reputation beginning in 1980. Grateful to Brenda. Grateful to every DJ who represents us. Grateful to our clients and venues who continue trusting us with some of the most important days of their lives.
Running a business takes strength, faith, sleepless nights and plenty of learning—but I wouldn’t trade this journey.
I’m proud of where we’ve been, proud of where we are today, and incredibly excited about where we’re going.
The legacy continues.
Ray the DJ — Powered by Marcus Trollmann