Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Smeaton.
Hi Jacob, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My father, Jim Smeaton, founded the company Music On The Move providing wedding/event DJ services for the Tampa market. I began working as a DJ with my father in 1997 and later also working in the office. Come 2009, I took over the business as my father transitioned into real estate. As time progressed, I decided to expand the DJ business into rentals & decor. The first expansion was adding draping services and then gold Chiavari chairs. This quickly expanded into more draping, more chair/furniture offerings, tables, chargers, centerpieces, plateware/glassware/utensils, lighting, and countless other rentals/decor options. And most recently, we have expanded into tent rentals. Although I haven’t personally DJ’d in years, we still offer a talented team of professional DJ’s/MC’s.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As with any growing business, there are always growing pains. In the earlier years of taking over the business, the work life balance was not the best. Having to wear many different hats; such as being the sales rep, the accountant, the DJ, the event prep/setup/breakdown/cleaning crew, etc…, it translated into working 7 days a week with long hours. Little by little, I was able to take on event crew members and a sales rep. The first person to work with me was Kody Williams. He is still with us today and has been a pivotal member of our team. Another early helper was Nelson Diaz. He still helps out with us on occasions. Even with some great initial helpers, it has always been a struggle to take on, train, and retain event crew/staff (especially during the off season). However, I am happy to say that today, we have the most trained and longstanding crew and office staff that we have ever had. Some key players here that make OTM run and grow and that make us who we are today include Elaiza Hickman (Marketing & Office Manager), Hope Harris (General Manager), and Kody Williams (Crew Manager). There are too many others to mention that work in the office, back of warehouse, and event crew that really are great and indispensable to OTM.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
With reference to our name, we have gone through several rebranding/name changes. Our founding name was Music On The Move. Shortly after taking over the business and expanding into rentals, we changed the name to On The Move Productions. Later, with our continued growth and focused clarification, we changed our name to On The Move Wedding & Event Rentals. Within our rebranding and our renewed company focus, we are proud to clarify our Core Company Values, our Purpose & Passions, and our company’s Niche. Our Core Values are as follows: Honest Reputation, Committed to Outstanding Service, Respect For All, & Pride In Our Work. Our Purpose and Passions are as follows: Growing A Strong Company Based On Core Values & Excellent Service. Our Niche is as follows: Providing Our Clients Stress Free Rentals, Decor, and DJ Services For Any Event.
With reference to our pricing information, most can easily be found on our newly updated website. We have done a lot of work and take pride in how easily our offerings are listed. Our clients can peruse our various rental/service categories, compile a wish list, and have a sales rep follow up. We want to make a daunting client task as easy and stress free as possible.
Any big plans?
Our plans for the future are to continue to grow and expand our services/offerings all within our Values & Purpose/Passions. Specifically we are looking to expand into new markets (we are currently expanding into Orlando), move into a larger warehouse/space, and expand our chairs/furniture/general rentals, and tent offerings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://otmrentalsandevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otmrentalsandevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otmrentalsandevents/
Image Credits
Venue 650
Varlow Farms
The Regent
The Venetian
Chihuly Museum
Hotel Haya
Wilder Mind Events
Happily Ever After Photography
