Young Entrepreneurs Bring Renown Musical Guests to the City of Lynchburg
Four young men have come together to bring entertainment to the city of Lynchburg, Virginia with renowned musical guests such as DJ Pauly D and country icon Chase Bryant.
Four Liberty University students and friends Jonathan Slye, Mark Cloutier, Michael Fiedler and Evan McHugh did not waste any time when the idea of Lynchburg’s Party presented itself. They immediately began taking the necessary steps to break into Lynchburg’s business scene as serious and dedicated young entrepreneurs.
“We just realized that this was something that we could really run with,” said Cloutier.
Once the group realized their potential for success, they were unstoppable.
“Once we had the concept of the company we just went for it, we booked venues and artists and before long we had a whole list of shows,” says Fiedler.
While entering into the music and entertainment industry did not present many obstacles, they did explain how their young ages, which range from 20 to 22 among the group, and youthful appearance left some shocked.
“It’s always tough walking into a meeting and seeing the persons face change when they realize you’re only 22,” said Cloutier. “It can be a negative factor because it automatically makes people doubt your ability.”
The four business minded students do not get discouraged easily and strive to use their youth to their advantage.
“There’s an obstacle upfront but as we get our name out in the city people realize we’re young but we’re not here to play,” says Fiedler.
Any negative feedback is used as motivation to do bigger and better things in the community.
“This only gives us more motivation to prove them wrong and show them just how much we can do,” Cloutier said.
While the music industry is famously linked to drugs, sex and alcohol abuse Cloutier and Fiedler hope to change this perspective and remain true to their morals as godly, hardworking businessmen.
“Our company is founded on good Christian morals, a company goal of ours, is to grow business men and women for Christ,” says Fiedler. “Because the music industry is looked down upon by many Christians, we are trying to change that.”
These young men attribute their success to remaining true to their Christian roots. Opening all of their meetings with prayer and continuing to follow God’s leadership and direction in this business is one of the main reasons for their quick success.
Lynchburg’s Party has come on the scene with what seems like overnight success. Their first event was the Lynchburg Paint Party, which had an audience of over 1,500 this past April.
“It’s been really good, people seem to really enjoy it,” says Cloutier. “We’ve had a lot of people tell us that this is exactly what downtown Lynchburg needs.”
Cloutier and Fiedler shared their excitement and some of their tips for fellow entrepreneurs looking to start up a business
“Do not give up,” said Cloutier. “Stay focused on your mission and your goals, put God first and let him lead you.”
Agreeing with his co-worker Fiedler says that persistence and pushing past failures is a major key in being a successful self-employed businessman.
“Do not give up. Persistence is the key to any entrepreneur of any age,” says Fiedler. “There will be times where others tell you to give up and get a more stable job. I personally do not like the idea of having a company tell me what I’m worth in dollars. I want to be able to pay myself whatever I want to get paid.”
Fiedler mentions how being self-employed raises the bar of success to a limitless standard.
“Another note for young entrepreneurs is that you get what you give,” said Fiedler. This is huge in starting up a company. You have to be willing to put in more than eight-hour work days. Down the road I can promise you that you will be glad you put in those 20 hour days back when you first started up your business.”
While Lynchburg’s Party is not even six months old, these four young entrepreneurs have big plans for their company and bringing life to the city of Lynchburg.
With special guest such as Howie Day, Decyfer Down and Vacation Manor coming up just this month, it is evident that Lynchburg’s Party has taken over social media pages and the snapchats of students all over the town.
Their next event is Lynchburg’s Halloween Party, Oct. 29 at the Benchmark parking lot.
“We are very excited for our upcoming events,” said Fiedler. “We have Far East Movement Oct. 29, followed by Rev Run of Run-DMC on Nov. 11, B.O.B. Dec. 10, and a personal fan favorite, Josh Garrels and John Mark McMillan coming this February.”
Lynchburg’s Party has a passion to bring joy into the lives of young people as well as offer a way for the people of Lynchburg to come together and experience a night they will never forget.
“Music is a form of expression no matter what genre it is and we want to use that freedom of expression as a tool not just to entertain but to unite the community,” said Fiedler.
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