Today marks 22 years since I started All American Entertainment in a 400-square-foot room in upstate New York. Our first website was built for $3,500, funded by unemployment benefits, by a developer in Malta whom I’ve never spoken, communicating only through AOL Instant Messenger. In that first year, we booked just seven events.
In 2011, we pivoted our business model and moved into our first office, with just two employees at the time, including myself. Over the next decade, we would grow beyond our wildest dreams, booking over 13,500 events, worth more than $350 million. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless milestones — weddings, new homes, career achievements, and even the birth of 35 AAE babies (all in the last 9 years!).
We’ve been honored to receive numerous accolades, including being named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies (three times), Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces list (four times), Triangle Business Journal’s Best Places to Work list (ranked #1 four times; seven times overall), and Business North Carolina’s “Best Employers” list (twice).
As I reflect on nearly half my life dedicated to this company, I’m filled with gratitude, in awe of what we’ve been able to accomplish together. I want to take this moment to thank each and every AAE employee past and present for their contributions, their belief in our mission, and for being part of this incredible journey. I am truly living the All-American Dream every day, and each employee, client, and speaker we work with plays an essential role in that. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!