Conversations with Leanne O’Donnell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Turn Up Columbus. We’re talking with Leanne O’Donnell, Turn Up Columbus Office Manager & Wedding Expert

Hi Leanne, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and Turn Up Columbus.
Turn Up Columbus was started by Josh Staley of Josh Staley Productions in 2019. It was created to be a more affordable DJ option for Columbus and a training company for aspiring DJs. Turn Up Columbus DJs are fun, interactive, and skilled on the mic. They are committed to making your wedding day the best day of your life!

I started with the company in January 2020. I have prior experience as a venue coordinator and currently work part-time as a day-of coordinator for my own business, Gatherings by Leanne. I love working with Turn Up Columbus! I talk with couples, answer questions, send contracts, collect money, assist with DJ training, write the blog, and generally keep everyone organized.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The most difficult challenge we’ve faced has been to design a reproducible DJ training program that is effective and efficient. It’s important to us to produce really great DJs who will “wow” your guests, so we’ve put a lot of time, money, and effort into making our training program successful.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Turn Up Columbus is unique because of the team that we have to support our DJs. Our company, combined with our sister company, Josh Staley Productions, has 10 part-time DJs, 5 full-time staff members, an office (for practice, client meetings, and training), and lots of equipment. We have an equipment manager who makes sure that everything is in working order for every wedding (usually close to 10!) every weekend. We offer ongoing training for our DJs no matter how many years they’ve worked with us. We have a team to support them, so no DJ is ever alone even though they work their weddings solo. In an industry that is typically “each man for himself” this is a very different model. It also creates more successful DJs who perform even more amazing weddings.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think the demand for wedding services is only going to increase in the next 5 years. People are looking for more ways to celebrate the good in life and weddings are at the top of that list. We plan to do all we can to grow with the demand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.turnupcolumbus.com/
• Instagram: @turnupcolumbus
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/turnupcolumbus

Image Credits
Michelle Joy Photo
Forget Me Knot Photography
Vince Kendjorsky