We’re looking forward to introducing you to Matthew Merchant. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Matthew, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
If the question hinges on the contingency “that nobody sees”, I’d have to say I am most proud of building… myself.
Most people don’t see what goes on behind the scenes of self-growth, investing time and research into knowledge, skills, awareness, and experience. To work on yourself and achieve your goals requires discipline, sacrifice, and consistency. Developing character, humility, and integrity require intentionality, mindfulness, and practice.
Of everything I’ve built, it would be easy to say I’m proud of my family, my home, my music, my teams and businesses, reputation, community involvement (and I am!)… though I don’t think any of these accomplishments would have been possible without first building from within – the part “that nobody sees.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Matthew Merchant, owner and founder of MC Events Co., a family-owned and operated entertainment company! Based in Colorado Springs, we have been providing mobile DJ/MC services throughout CO and beyond since 2016. Over the years, we’ve expanded to include Photo Booths, Photo/Videography, Face Painting, and Special FX!
We specialize in hosting all types of events, from elegant weddings to outdoor sporting events, block parties to school dances, and corporate banquets to backyard barbecues! We believe in passion, character, and impact in everything we do!
What makes MCE unique is how we take a personal approach with every event to create unforgettable fun and lasting memories for our clients. Currently, we’re focused on growing our team, launching a new mobile photo booth robot, and one day having our own event venue!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The first time I felt powerful was in elementary school. I love to learn, and I caught on quickly in an academic setting. It wasn’t long before I was recognized as a top student and placed in advanced classes and gifted programs. This was the first time I can recall being good at something and receiving praise and recognition for my efforts.
It was like a superpower – something that made me strong, unique, and capable – something I controlled and no one could take away. I would bet this is a big part of what motivates me now to be such an ambitious over-achiever… the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction of success!
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Discipline, resilience, persistence, sacrifice, hunger, hustle. You have to go through some hard times to learn the hard lessons. If success comes easy, things are handed to you, or someone always comes to your rescue, you’ll never learn how to dig deep and survive the bad times.
It’s not until we struggle, lose our way, or hit rock bottom that we’re forced to overcome obstacles, push forward, and grow as individuals. The growth and strength learned from suffering often accomplishes worlds more than the easy road.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Undeniably yes! People frequently comment on my energy and demeanor while performing and they can tell this is just me. I’m fortunate I don’t have to pretend or put on a show to do what I love and it naturally works well with my line of work. Sometimes I think I am more myself in public when I’m in my element, being social and in the music.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I can say without a doubt, this is what I was born to do! I have done many things in my working career to include food service, hospitality, e-commerce, sales, travel industry, real estate… but choosing to follow my dream and build a business in the music/entertainment industry was an intimidating leap of faith.
I was doubtful the business wouldn’t be successful. Afraid of the public perception of me leaving a “professional” industry (realtor) to “be a DJ”. Worried I was taking a step back. Then I heard something that pushed me over the edge. “If you always treat your side hustle like a side hustle, it will always be a side hustle.” You can never dedicate 100% of your time and talent to your dream, if you are distracted by another job. You will never commit fully or see your dream’s full potential until you get rid of your safety net. Then, you have no choice but to make it work.
So I did. I took the leap, did the research, put in the time, and dedicated everything to my craft. Now I love my job, my people, my purpose. I discovered that doing what you love is worth more than any amount of money, and not compromising yourself is one of the happiest, most liberating feelings in the world. I don’t do this because someone told me to – I do it because I enjoy it and I want to. I can say with confidence, I have arrived where I’m supposed to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mceventsco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mceventsco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mceventsco
- Twitter: https://x.com/mceventsco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mceventsco/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mceventsco
Image Credits
~MC Events Co.
