Daily Inspiration: Meet Nick LaGorga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick LaGorga.

Hi Nick, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2021, I entered a business pitch competition and presented the idea for a production company in rural Colorado. I won the competition and was awarded $10,000. I immediately organized a winter concert series and started seeking out sponsorship. The Hayden Winter Concert Series was a five show series that consisted of nine different live acts. At the time I was producing these shows, I was also working as a sound engineer and stage hand for three different companies. I felt like I was going to school and working a full-time job at the same time. As the phone calls and emails started coming in for weddings, community gatherings and private events, I was also climbing the ladder with one of my employers. Strings music festival promoted me to a Production management role and I began my second semester of “school”. My business remained very busy as I had already put together a Yampa Valley Summer Concert Series. This concert series consisted of three bands and much larger crowds. Today I am building my brand and using social media to gain more attention in the surrounding communities. My goal is to purchase 20 acres of land in rural Colorado and build an amphitheater so I can truly oversee every aspect of my live productions!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This has not been a smooth road. I have had many growing pains. Work/Life balance has been an issue. It’s too easy to work around the clock and then find myself very exhausted, mentally and physically. Learning to manage my time still remains a problem today. I had quite a difficult time getting my insurance initially, but it all worked out. I have also gotten my equipment soaked after an event by two different clients sprinkler systems…

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a start to finish production company. I set it all up and break it all down. I operate the soundboard, the light board, I make the poster art, online advertisements and more, I book the bands, I negotiate the pay, I coordinate the day of event details, I run my own website, and I maintain all of my own equipment. I really enjoy when I have everything up and running and people come up to me to tell me how good of a time they are having. I am creating memories for all by bridging the gap between the artists and the viewers.

I don’t know exactly what separates me from the other production companies you can choose but I will say this with confidence. I treat every show like the BIGGEST show to date. My smallest gigs still get cables taped to the stage, those artists still receive hospitality, and I still call show times as if I was stage managing for Kenny G or the Motet. I want both sides of the industry to choose me, artists and clients.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Hmmm… I know I was talkative. I have always been very social. I’ve been told I should have been a stand-up comedian too many times, so I guess I may be funny. I was a skateboard punk for over ten years and I have the aching joints to prove it. I think I was an alright kid, but I have made my fair share of mistakes. If I could change any one thing… I would have learned more about electricity!

Contact Info:

• Website: yampavalleyentertainment.com
• Instagram: @yampavalleyentertainment
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nick.LaGorga.YVE

Image Credits
@danielkelley @goodmorningacosutics