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The Tailgate Entertainer | Performers | Performance Business | Creatives | Artists | Talent Buyers

Tailgate Entertainer is a podcast about the fair industry and the exciting people involved in it. The goal of the show is to help those involved in the industry succeed by sharing years of collected wisdom. You will not find a more eclectic mix of people in the world than those that work at fairs. Their exciting journeys, lessons, and humorous anecdotes are woven together here to provide encouragement, education, and support for the industry.
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The Tailgate Entertainer | Performers | Performance Business | Creatives | Artists | Talent Buyers
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Now displaying: Page 2
Jul 3, 2018

We’re back with Season 2! It’s an entirely new season, so Alan here to catch you up on everything since Season 1 ended and also the exciting things in store for Season 2. In this first episode of Season 2, you also get introduced to a co-host, who is no stranger to Tailgate Entertainer fans!

 

The fair industry is an adventurous occupation that few people have insight into, but the Tailgate Entertainer brings you interviews with some of the most reputable performers in the Fair Industry. From acrobats to the youngest manager in the industry, to the inventor of women’s mud wrestling, the hosts Alan Bruess and Eric Haines will take you on a journey to explore every aspect of the fair industry. Tune into this episode of Tailgate Entertainer to see what this season has in store for you. 

 

Show Highlights:

 

  • What Allen has been working on 
  • Change in work 
  • Who is coming in the next season 
  • Shift and adapt 
  • Couples, youngest manager in the fair industry, and the inventor of women’s mud wrestling 
  • Sponsors 
  • Creating Scholarships 

 

Resources:

 

Eric’s Previous Episode

Suggest ideas on where scholarships go: Tailgateentertainer@gmail.com 

Mar 28, 2017

Today's episode is an opportunity to have a few questions answered about the show, take a peek behind the scenes a little, and a chance for me to give some final thoughts about the importance of our industry.  A huge THANK YOU to all of the guests and listeners that have been a part of the adventure.  

  • Reasons for producing the show.
  • How the show is doing, how has it done?
  • Is the show going to continue?
  • Did I make any money podcasting?
  • Any regrets producing the show?
  • Biggest lesson learned producing the show.
  • Most frustrating element.  
  • Biggest mistake I made producing the show. 
  • Why the fair industry is so important.  
Mar 21, 2017

 In this episode: Mat Wells - son of  Kim & Alan Barr

Nathen Smith - son of Robert & Sara Smith

Sarah Hays - daughter of  Steve & Elisa Hays

Hayden Newman - daughter of Mike & Ryann Newman

Chase Barton - son of  Tammy & Bryan Barton

Brayden Bruess - son of  Alan & Renee Bruess

 

Mar 14, 2017

You could operate a fair without a carnival, it might be less fun, but it is achievable. You could probably also run a fair without entertainment, but it isn’t advised. What you couldn’t host a fair without, is food vendors. Food vendors are the anchor of the fair. They are also some of the hardest working people, with a job that doesn’t guarantee a paycheck. For them, the risk is worth the reward. Tune in to today’s fast, food show to hear two of the fair’s best, Kim Barr and Daryl Whicheloe. Order’s up!

 Kim & Alan Barr (Pacific Crest Concessions)

Kim & Alan Barr (Pacific Crest Concessions)

 

  • Investing in the food industry
  • How has the industry changed in the last 30 years
  • The amount of off time food vendors get
  • Working and traveling
  • Being invited back to the same fairs
  • The importance of your presentation and operating
  • Connections made with fair family
  • Set up time
  • Purpose of NICA
  • Uniting concessioners and giving them a voice in their industry
  • Fair commission
  • Potential in the concession industry that people aren’t looking into
  • The types of people in this industry
Mar 7, 2017

Pain and suffering are always topics pushed under the rug, but what people have failed to inform you is, oblivion is not bliss. Today we are going to sweep it all out from under the rug and hit the topics that are, more often than not, avoided. Feelings of self-worth, effects of tragic accidents, pride, the ICU, all topics that lack a sense of hope, but your guest, Elisa Hays, will hopefully leave you with an appreciation for life and hope in the virtue of humanity. Tune in with your host, Alan Bruess, for a taste of this bitter-sweet message. 

 

  • Why people want to talk about their hurt 
  • Defining your worth 
  • Dehumanizing yourself in the ICU 
  • ICU psychosis 
  • Understanding and experiencing pain 
  • Acknowledging pain instead of belittling it 
  • Existing in a fundamental foundational level 
  • The way pain changes the views of everyone around you 
  • Finding reasons to laugh when bad things occur 
  • How accidents change relationships 
  • Reflecting on memories that impacted Elisa 
  • How horrific accidents change your motivation 
  • Living with a handicap 
  • The disadvantages of living in a wheelchair 
  • How accidents consume your life 
  • The ripple effect of doing good for people 

 

 

Elisahays.com

Facebook: Elisa Hays 

 

Feb 28, 2017

Is this generation really evolving? Are we different than other generations due to technology? Or are we simply coming full circle with the advancements previous generations have put in place for us? After years of advancements, we are finally beginning to see the fruits of the internet. But, have these advancements brought us closer together? Or magnified our differences? Tune in while Kady Porterfield answers a few of these questions, and more, with your host, Alan Bruess.

 Today, Alan and Kady Porterfield also discuss:

  • How Kady became the head of the agriculture department and her history in the industry
  • How to get millennials involved, engaged, and keep them there
  • How this generation has grown up more diverse and open than any other generation
  • The extreme advertisement of everyone being entitled or capable
  • The importance of learning and asking questions
  • The positive & negative effects of phones and social media
  • Tips for older generations to relate and use to help the millennial generation
  • The viability of the fair industry
  • How to engage through social media
  • Showcasing what people want to see but keeping the traditions
  • The value and educational resources tied to the fair
  • Figuring out how to bring urban kids or schools in general involved
  • The importance of the fair
  • Showcasing the culture of the community
Feb 21, 2017

Time, money, travel, and experiences are all a few things we have in common. In the fair industry, it takes a lot of investment in all of the following. But, a few special things about our guest today is his constant great spirits, his classy behavior, enthusiasm in his work, his amazing story, and the magic he puts into his work.

Welcome balloon artist, Dennis Forel, with your tailgate entertainer, Alan Bruess.

 

Today, Alan and Dennis Forel also discuss:

  • The inspiration that led to his career
  • Where his career led with persistence
  • Opportunities for balloon artists
  • Putting together an original act
  • Being rotated between people you work for
  • Upholding your act and keeping your enthusiasm
  • The importance of being versatile
  • People can tell when you’re not being authentic
  • You have to be diverse and unpredictable but reliable
  • Why you should always go the extra mile
  • Being part of the outreach you work for
  • The difficulties of having a family while being in the fair
  • Being honest about your circumstances with your employers
  • Getting the courage to take the next step
  • Stumbling into your career
  • Mistakes in the business
  • The vitality of building relationships
  • Showing your commitment
  • If you don’t match the theme, you won’t be hired

 

Gofundme.com and look up Kevin Ridgeway

Balloonacy.com

Dforel@dslextreme.com

Phone number: 310-218-2629

Feb 13, 2017

Today's episode is different than our normal episodes. We have so many friends in California that are being affected by the evacuations for the Lake Oroville Dam, and the Fair Industry as a whole is stepping up to the plate to offer help. Today Alan talks with 3 different Fair Managers who have sprung into action to help anyone who has been displaced by this evacuation. 

Listen to the episode to find out where to go if you are forced to evacuate!

Feb 7, 2017

With everything that’s been going on in today’s media, it’s easy to feel bombarded by the hate and negativity. It’s hard to say whether this is a new conflict, or if we’re simply becoming more in tune to the situation. Join your tailgate entertainer, Alan Bruess, on discussing this new topic that we all deal with on a regular basis and listen for ways you can improve this situation for yourself. 

Alan also discusses:

 

  • A remedy for hate 
  • The importance of expressing yourself 
  • Art fuels the thirst for knowledge 
  • The ways art is supposed to make you feel and influence 
  • Will what you leave behind be remembered?
  • How creating love for yourself creates love for others 
  • Despite what is happening, you have to work for yourself 
  • Broadcast what you stand for 
  • If the situation around you is gnawing at your soul, do something about it

 

Jan 31, 2017

Today, we are going to take a look at a new and exciting angle of the fair industry. We’ve ventured through many different aspects of vendors, managers, and various performing artists. Today, we are going to take a walk in the shoes of the person who finds all the talent to fill those slots. Accompany Alan Bruess as he exploring the world of a highly respected talent agent and business owner, Jerry Ross. 

Listen as Alan and Jerry discuss:

 

  • The journey of starting a business
  • How revenues work for artists with agents 
  • The job and responsibilities of a talent agent 
  • The problems of exclusivity when shows contact artists directly 
  • The importance of having a trustworthy relationship with clients and agents 
  • Agents are somewhat there to do the dirty work 
  • What to do when clients contact acts directly and exclude the agent 
  • The importance of setting ground rules 
  • The ability to make a living decreases as inflation happens 
  • What acts are increasing and declining
  • The vitality of innovation 
  • How to nourish and maintain good relationships 
  • How to approach an agent 
  • The hard work and tenacity needed to be successful 
  • Why being yourself is important for an artist 
  • Introducing yourself to the online industry 

 

Connect with Jerry:

Harmonyartists.com

 

Jan 24, 2017

Just like every other industry, the fair industry is all about connections. But, the special thing about this industry is that everyone is willing to support and help one another. Now, who doesn’t want to participate in that? 

 

Today we are going to listen to and learn from one of the fair industry’s greatest supporters and influencers. This will give you some personal insight and show you the relationships and strong bonds created in this field. Join your Tailgate Entertainer, Alan Bruess, while he interviews his long-time friend and impactful leader, Chris Whatley 

Listen as Alan and Chris also discuss:

  • His theater career shaped the course of him going into the fair industry 
  • He built a robot that got him into the fair industry 
  • He designed a set and used his creativity to get a show booked for fairs 
  • Everything happens for a reason 
  • Due to the fluctuation in business, the rug can be pulled right out from under you
  • How to keep a group of people loyal and to go along with the journey 
  • The difficulties of using real guns for the show in different states 
  • The values and importance of the fair 
  • The product you produce doesn’t matter if you present it poorly 
  • The quality of your videos for the fair is vital for success 
  • Communication skills are lacking in the youth 
  • You have to be flexible 

 

 

Links: 

 

Lagniappeproductions.com 

Facebook: Lagniappe Productions

 

Jan 17, 2017

When people think of the fair, they think of all the exciting things in the spotlight. Sometimes we fail to notice all the things behind the scenes that make that excitement happen. All the hard work, planning, and orchestrating goes unnoticed. Today, take a look behind the scenes with our special guest Heather Hansen.

 

Today we are learning more from behind the scenes in the fair industry with lobbyist, Heather Hansen. People like Heather are vital to our industry, because without her, one of America’s favorite entertaining family events would not be possible. She currently lives in Columbia, Washington and over see’s legislation for the Washington State Fair Association. 

 

 

In this episode Alan and Heather also discuss:

 

 

  • Her experience with 4H and how she became an agent 
  • How fair funding works and it’s importance 
  • Why is funding important if the fair is already bringing in so much money?
  • Most of the time, money made by the fair goes to youth organizations
  • New Legislatures often don’t have a background in the fair industry 
  • It is important to invite legislatures to your fairs and keep them involved 
  • Get to know your legislators because if they don’t know you, they can’t help you

 

 

LINKS: 

 

Heather’s email: Heather@wafriends.org

Jan 10, 2017

The fair industry is typically stereotyped into a finite variety of things. Ranging from clowns, to corndogs, to cotton candy, to Ferris wheels. Join your Tailgate Entertainer, Allen Bruce, in digger deeper into exploring the entrepreneurship involved in the fair industry, with people like “The Gold Standard”. 

 

“The Gold Standard” or Dianne Linderman, is a renowned business woman involved in fair industry. Dianne Linderman is a creative, innovative, entrepreneur, who has surrounded herself with likeminded people. This group of people team together to form “The Great American Entertainment Company”. Not only has she invested her time in this company, but she many other great accomplishments she has achieved throughout her lifetime.  She was a Counselor for troubled teens, owned a restaurant, built a million dollar company, owned a dozen businesses, started a publishing company, helped construct a school, wrote an award winning series of children’s books, married her best friend and raised two kids. She also has a podcast and radio show titled, “Everything that matters in life, parenting, and kitchen table politics”. 

 

  • Alexandra, Dianne’s daughter, talks about the animal shows and the events she enjoys 
  • Talks about the difficulties of moving around and the things she’s learned from it 
  • Fairs bring the family back together
  • Talks about the importance of working hard
  • The biggest lesson she learned in 2016 was not to judge people
  • Dianne Linderman talks about the problem with telling people they can only be successful with a diploma and treating everyone the same 
  • People don’t know how to answer what they’re interested in 
  • Took her love for children and animals to be involved in the fair industry 
  • She started a roadside zoo and traveling petting zoo and used the animals to help troubled teens 
  • Talks about the reasons why all of her businesses have succeeded 
  • The benefits of raising children involved in the fair industry 
  • The best place to open a business is next to a business of the same trade 
  • Don’t ever spend your money on other people’s property 
  • Your biggest lessons come from your failures, you can’t just do everything
  • If you do not fulfill your yearning for what you want, you won’t be content 

 

Links: 

 

 

http://www.everythingthatmattersradio.com/

 

www.greatamericanpettingzoo.com

 

Jan 3, 2017

Would you like to be more savvy about the best type of structure for your business? Or are you unsure about whether someone doing work for you is an employee or an independent contractor? If so, listen in to today's episode of Tailgate Entertainer with Alan Bruess, as he talks business with his knowledgeable guest, Thomas Rock Lindsay.

 

Thomas owns a company called Humanly HR. He has more than twenty years of experience working in a PEO (Professional Employer Organization), focusing on all aspects of workers compensation, risk management, loss control, employee benefits, HR and payroll. He also hosts a podcast called SmallBiz Brainiac. Thomas is a valuable resource you can turn to if you're trying to solve problems related to your business.

 

 

On today's show, Thomas will share about three topics which come up all the time

in the fair industry:

  

  1. Is someone an employee or a private contractor?
  2. Is your business structured properly for your needs? (i.e. sole proprietorship or incorporated)
  3. Business Insurance.

Today, Alan and Thomas discuss:

  • The huge fines levied by the IRS for treating an employee as a private contractor and how you can avoid this happening to you.
  • How insurance and licensing play into the IRS's decision to fine or not.
  • What could happen if someone is injured on the job while working as an independent contractor, without licensing or insurance?
  • A test you can take to tell the difference between an employee and a private contractor- and where you would go to do that.
  • Your exposure to liability due to your choice of business model- whether you should incorporate or not.
  • The differences between an LLC, an S Corp and a C Corp.
  • Where you can go to learn more about business structures.
  • Partnerships in business- a good idea or not?
  • How to know where to start with business insurance.

 

Links:

 

Thomas's website: www.smallbizbrainiac.com

 

Thomas's email:    tom@smallbizbrainiac.com

 

Alan's email:         tailgateentertainer@gmail.com

 

Resources:

 

  1. Thomas's Podcasts: SmallBiz Brainiac (Note: Episodes 3 & 4 deal with the test relating to employee or private contractor)
  2. The Khan Academy: www.khanacademy.org
Dec 27, 2016

Today we are kicking off our last episode of 2016, it’s going to be a bit of a short one, but a good one. If you haven’t heard our show before, we are all about the fair industry. Also, here is a message to some of the fair boards, we asked on our Facebook what you all want to hear in 2017, so we’ll talk a little about that today and I also asked what your greatest lesson was in 2016. All of that will be captured in today’s show, glad you’re here with us. 

 

Listen to the episode as Alan also discusses:

 

  • Get people who can bring you a fresh perspective and use younger people to get to the demographic you want to reach 
  • God’s mercies are new every morning and each moment is a new moment to align your mind and will with God’s and the result is perfect peace 
  • Never Assume 
  • Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good 
  • Read the sports page on the front of the newspaper so that you’re not a sports illiterate 
  • There is always a way with the help of many 
  • There are at least three sides to every story
  • Cherish each moment spent with family and friends
  • Try to put yourself in other people's shoes 
  • Do not judge others 
  • Being a professional entertainer is a team effort 

 

Resources:

 

Tailgate Entertainer Facebook Group

Know Grow Prepare Love Facebook Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources: 

 

Dec 20, 2016

Welcome to my show everyone! Merry Christmas to you! Now, if you’ve never heard our show before, we are all about the fair industry. We don’t spend a lot of time talking about corn dogs or Ferris Wheels, even though those are two important parts. We spend most of our time talking about the amazing people involved, and that’s why I stay in it.

I decided to make this episode a Christmas episode, but that doesn’t mean I’m leaving out all the people who celebrate in a different way.  We have a fantastic guest coming your way, and her name is Teddy Anne Cunningham.

She is originally from Wyoming and lives there now with her husband and two kids. She has been playing at fairs for over 25 years, mostly with her brother Cal. They are both amazing artists. She told me a funny story about them growing up, she said they were “reluctant graduates of the wooden spoon youth movement program, under the supervision of Mama Lark Lindford”. Which kind of reminds me a bit of my mama as well.

I love her story, plus, she is a strong woman of faith, has an angelic voice, loves her family, and loves her career. You might want to put your headphones on for this episode because you’re going to hear some cool songs. I even included one that her brother Cal sings. So sit back ladies and gentlemen, here is Teddy Anne Cunningham.

 

 

  • She played with her family over 27 years ago for the first time because the band didn’t show up
  • Talks about her husband being a fair manager
  • Events that have happened in the fair industry that she needed to walk in faith
  • Did you feel the stronger your faith was, the stronger the resistance was?
  • As an adult, what kind of things are challenging you now?
  • Created to have a family and be a performer
  • It’s okay that Teddy is not a super established musician because Teddy has also concentrated on all her other dreams (like her family)
  • Everything Teddy does is for her kids
  • Mothers just spend all their time taking care of their kids, which is Teddy’s biggest challenge in taking care of her own career
  • John Dunnigan was her biggest aspiration as a kid
  • Teddy and her brother mostly perform locally
  • The ultimate dream for performing somewhere: meeting Vince Gill or Ronny Crowell
  • For self-improvement, you pray

 

Resources & Links:

Linfordcunningham.blogspot.com

Tailgateentertainer.com

Dec 13, 2016

If you have talent, as yet untapped, or you love watching performers do their thing at fairs, Terry Fator will certainly inspire you. Whether or not you are in the fair industry, you will love Terry. Listen to his down to earth approach to becoming successful as he talks to Alan Bruess about his meteoric rise to fame since 2005, on today's episode of Tailgate Entertainer.

 

Terry, singer, comedian and ventriloquist/impersonator,  a great, funny, regular guy, won America's “Who's got Talent” in 2007. One year later, he signed a five-year deal with The Mirage for $100,000,000! All this, with skills he honed while performing at fairs. Listen in today, as Terry talks to Alan about his incredible experiences and the fascinating people he has met, in the world of the fair industry.

Join Terry and Alan, as they discuss:

 

  • Terry's passion for performing on stage.
  • How Terry started performing at age three.
  • The touching story of Terry's sensitive handling of an autistic boy at a “meet and greet” session.
  • What it takes to win in life.
  • How Danny Gans really inspired Terry to become a ventriloquist/impersonator.
  • Terry's standing ovation in 2006, at the Rocky Mountain Showcase.
  • How Terry got to perform on “America's got Talent”.
  • How you can work your way up, as an entertainer, through the fair industry.
  • Terry's unprecedented rise to success.
  • What you put out, comes back to you.
  • What Terry does with the money he earns from selling merchandise at fairs.

 

Connect with Terry:

www.terryfator.com

Get Tickets for Terry's show in Las Vegas

 

Join our Facebook Group! We'd love to get to know you better!

 

Dec 6, 2016

Karla MajewskiThis week, we have Karla Majewski to tell us about her animal business. She and her family live on 4 acres in California with almost 200 exotic animals. For nearly 3 decades, her company, Pacific Animal Productions, has been helping to conserve wildlife and endangered species while educating people about the wonders of wildlife. During animal “edu-tainment” exhibits, she lets people see and touch the animals.  She comes up with inspired ideas that are mutually beneficial to both humans and animals. She even feeds people with crickets – stir-fried, in tacos, to provide safe animal protein to people.

Show Notes

  • How eating insects is becoming more popular around the world
  • Her school programs – educational show about animals
  • What edutainment accomplishes
  • The most renewable protein source for humans - crickets!
  • Making cricket tacos in her shows
  • She likes grasshoppers too!
  • Bugs are pollinators therefore beneficial for men and nature
  • Why kids today know more about animals than kids did in the past
  • She employs 5 full time zoo keepers to take care of almost 200 animals
  • Her purpose for teaching children about animals
  • The biggest challenge she had encountered 
  • The regulation and licenses she has for her animals
  • Her plans for the future

Resources

Website: http://pacificanimalproductions.com/

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/pacificanimalproductions/

 

Nov 29, 2016

Welcome to a conversation with my friend, Marty Davis. Marty has been in the fair industry longer than anyone I know. This is an honest interview from Marty’s heart with a little bit of crazy thrown in! If you listen all the way to the end, you’ll be treated to a yodeling lesson, a story about streaking, some great advice, and some cowboy songs, too! Don’t miss it!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

  • How Marty started his lifelong love affair with the guitar
  • Working as a DJ and singing with a band
  • Stories from The Golden Nugget in Las Vegas
  • Why Marty felt like cowboy band costumes were important
  • How he met his wife, Kate---and got engaged after just ONE HOUR of conversation! (47 years of marriage followed!)
  • Bored and unsatisfied with not being the very best
  • Why Marty longed for the “old cowboy sound”
  • “God Bless Old Glory”
  • Yodeling 101
  • Why Marty believes in mentoring kids
  • Marty’s beginning in the fair industry—1976
  • Why Marty has mentored many in the fair industry, even offering up his home to many as a stable place to live
  • Mistakes that young people make today: not learning the basics of a solid foundation
  • “Love people enough to tell them the truth.”
  • How Marty struggled in the beginning to find someone to help with his career
  • What happens when too much ego gets in the way
  • Marty’s message to younger people: “Ask for help.”
  • Why regrets are a waste of time
  • Streaking off the stage---for $100
  • A story (and a song) from the old West—by Marty
  • Find out more at www.martyldavis.com
Nov 22, 2016

Welcome to a great show with my friend, Pam Shultz. Pam and her husband of 34 years, Rob, run The Imagination Gallery, a business which provides hands-on, interactive science displays for fairgoers. You’ll be inspired by Pam’s passion for what she loves to do and what she’s learned. Join us!

 

What you’ll hear in this episode:

  • How Pam and Rob started with sand sculptures and teaching science to science shows
  • The evolution of their current fair business
  • How things got out of balance initially with their family
  • The teamwork now in their business and family
  • The agreement about “the final say”
  • Rules for employees and why they exist
  • Fairs that “took a chance” on them in the beginning
  • “How much can I charge?” vs. “How can I provide great value?”
  • Loving what you do and having an impact on people
  • Barbara Walters: Pam’s inspiration
  • Pam’s favorite thing about fair work? Engaging with others
  • Why Pam loves reading and learning
  • Pam’s book recommendations for young people starting out in the fair industry: How Starbucks Saved My Life by Michael Gates Gill and The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
  • Why Pam will still be doing her work at fairs in 20 years
  • Who Pam looks up to-- and why
  • Email Pam: pam@wildscience.com
Nov 15, 2016

How does a couple travel non-stop, perform shows all over the United States, and still manage to love each other at the end of each day? Professional magician Jeff Martin and his wife Pam share the secrets of keeping it all together."

Show Notes

  • How the relationship started
  • Their show is an organized business with Pam behind Jeff
  • Is it tough to be just behind the limelight, not among the show performers
  • We are all stronger when we become a community in show business or entertainment industry
  • What is Jeff’s biggest struggle?
  • What is Pam’s biggest struggle?
  • What is Jeff’s favorite food on the road?
  • What Jeff would buy if he won the lottery?
  • What Jeff likes about Pam
  • They’re both on the same wavelength

 

Resources

jmartinmagic.com

 

 

Nov 8, 2016

A win-win strategy for both buyers and sellers trying to find common ground at trade shows. In this discussion, Elisa Hays and Alan Bruess talk about how to communicate more effectively between the two sides and the importance of creating dialogue centered on added value.

Elisa Hays

Show Notes

  • What does “negotiating up” mean?
  • What buyers and sellers can ask each other to start negotiating
  • How can an entertainer provide more value to get higher pay?
  • Solving the problem of maximizing value with a limited budget
  • Trade shows and conventions matter to both the fair management and fair service providers
  • The trade show interaction is transactional and relational, according to Elisa
  • When fair managers decide to “negotiate down” they bring in LESS to the fair
  • When entertainers try to book their business and they look at big holes in their calendar
  • Nobody wants to step up their game when somebody keeps negotiating down
  • When entertainers say: “ I guess I’m not a good fit for you”
  • Can entertainers emphasize their main skills and prominently display more?
  • Service members can negotiate up by being problem-solvers
  • When asking more and telling less is highly appropriate

 

Resources:

 

http://www.elisahays.org

Nov 1, 2016

In this heart warming episode, Tammie Ryan shares her lifelong involvement in the fair industry.  She talks about her challenges as an entrepreneur, living on the road, and where she sees the greatest opportunities for others.  Tammie is highly respected and loved by many in the industry.  As you listen to her open up about her life in this episode, you will quickly understand why.  

  • Tammy is instrumental in getting Alan Bruess into the entertainment industry
  • Tammy invited Alan into the convention
  • The biggest takeaway in the job that she remembers
  • She knows almost everybody in the industry
  • Talking about your products to build relationships?
  • Her biggest struggle when she was starting
  • She always wanted to be a teacher
  • She believes the younger generation needs to get involved in the industry
  • Tips in building relationships  
  • Tips for success in the industry
Oct 25, 2016

Let’s talk about the biggest struggles or challenges that artists encounter as performers. My own biggest struggle is:  losing my voice.  Here are 5 different artists and their challenges:

  1. Washboard Willy Washboard Willy He was our guest in Episode 4. He travels  all the time and often looks forward to a downtime.  His hardest struggle is about losing his sense of community with his own hometown, the place where he grew up.  Listen and learn what it is he is struggling with and what the 3 things he does to countercheck the situation. You can find him at http:///washboardwilly.com

 

  1. Elisa HaysElisa HaysShe has been performing  onstage for a very long time and her biggest challenge, she says, is how to be like the children who have undistracted, sharp focus on everything around them. What does she do to be like these authentically undistracted cute audience? Her website is www.elisahays.com

 

  1. Steve Hamilton (also known as Steve the Pretty Good) Steve HamiltonWas our guest on episode 5. He said his biggest challenge is how to get booked. One day, he asked a friend for advice. His friend gave him the tools he needed. Find out what it was and how he fixed his little problem.

 

  1. Carrie Cunningham Carrie CunninghumFinding the right support team was her biggest challenge.  She was trying to be everything and she reached out to different avenues.  Listen to her revelation-- her solutions.   

 

  1. Ken McMeans. Ken graced our episode 6.  He would be away from home and on the road approximately 150 to 200 Ken McMeansdays.  The hardest thing in his life and career was the balancing stuff.  His wife and the children had helped him a lot.

Resources:

Please join our Facebook Group, Tailgate Entertainer where you will find the 5 performers we interviewed here.  You can find them at:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/201780350198420/

Oct 18, 2016

Through hard work and dedication to his craft, Brady has launched into the music scene with a style all his own.  He talks about how he developed his own style as a unique blend of many of his music heroes.

He sharpened his musical skills day after day but his parents decided he should get formal training.  Brady dreaded the idea of taking real lessons and says he had an “attention deficit disorder” when it came to structured piano lessons. He would play the piano in his own way and with awesome creativity! Brady’s dad loved the style of Jerry Lee Lewis and so did he. The diversity and creativity of Jerry Lee Lewis fed and bred Brady’s innate musical mind – from country music to jazz, and rock n roll – he improvised. Brady was born to play music and sing but he is also a great rancher and a baseball player. He was told he had a keen ear for music. Others think he has a great voice and savvy fingers on the instruments. We think he’s got all of the above.

 

What you’ll hear from Brady and the Tailgate Entertainer staff:

  • How Brady began his musical career
  • How his dad helped him become what he is today
  • The musicians who influenced his music
  • All his mentors and his favorite one
  • How his mentor helped him become what he is today
  • What he loves about the fair industry
  • What else he does besides  playing the piano and guitar
  • What advice he wants to give to new musicians
  • What is the quickest step to success, according to Brady
  • He was told he had a “strong ear” for music
  • He thinks it’s the way he delivers his music.

 

Resources

Website 

Facebook Page 

Facebook Personal: 

Twitter: @BradyGoss

Email:  bradygoss88(at)gmail(dot)com

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