Why Great Event Companies Are Built on People, Not Production

Episode Summary What does it take to evolve from a solo DJ into a nationwide event production company handling over 600 events a year?   In this episode of The Event Solutions Podcast, host Jorge Lopez sits down with Jordan Chance, founding partner of Luxe Productions, to explore the journey from passion-driven beginnings to building a high-performing, design-focused AV company.   Jordan shares how Luxe Productions evolved from a DJ-focused business into a full-scale AV production company known for its creative, high-end event experiences. He breaks down the mindset shifts that fueled that growth from focusing on talent to building systems, and from doing the work himself to developing a strong, empowered team.   The conversation dives deep into leadership and culture, including why Jordan prioritizes people over skill when hiring, how their contractor-to-employee model ensures the right fit, and what it takes to build a team that thrives under pressure.   Jordan also opens up about personal lessons learned along the way, especially the challenge of balancing business growth with family life, and how developing that balance became a critical leadership skill.   From real-world failures that turned into operational improvements to practical advice on run-of-shows and vendor accountability, this episode delivers valuable insights for event professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders looking to scale with intention.   Key Takeaways Focus on growing your team, strong people naturally build a strong business Hire based on character and mindset; skills can always be developed Real performance matters more than resumes; observe people in action Self-awareness helps teams collaborate and operate in their strengths Strong relationships and a reputation can drive consistent referrals Learning to disconnect from work is key to long-term success A clear and detailed run of show ensures smooth, professional events The best teams take ownership and solve problems, no finger-pointing Mistakes are inevitable, but they create better systems and processes A strong culture builds loyalty and leads to respectful, positive transitions   Guest Bio: Jordan Chance Jordan Chance is the founding partner of Luxe Productions, a Northern Illinois-based event production company specializing in entertainment and design-focused AV experiences. Since launching Luxe in 2009, Jordan has helped grow the company into a nationwide operation producing over 600 events annually, working with premium brands, high-profile clients, and complex, large-scale productions. Starting his career as a DJ, Jordan transformed Luxe from a small entertainment-focused business into a full-service AV production company known for its creativity, precision, and execution at scale. Today, Jordan focuses on sales, marketing, vision, and leadership development, building a people-first culture where strong teams drive exceptional event experiences.