In this episode of Business Blueprints, Bryan Bercik sits down with Derek Galiffa of Galiffa Productions to break down how he turned a teenage passion into a full-scale entertainment company.
Derek shares how he started DJing at 16, took the leap from a steady corporate job at Comcast in 2011, and went all-in on building his business. From $50 Sweet 16 gigs to weddings, country clubs, and eventually becoming the official pregame DJ for the Pittsburgh Steelers, his story is rooted in relationships, reputation, and consistently delivering at a high level.
The conversation dives into the power of networking, creating your own lane instead of fighting over limited opportunities, and building a brand that extends beyond just "playing music." Derek explains how Galiffa Productions evolved from a sole proprietorship to an S-Corp with multiple DJs, employees, insurance, and production infrastructure — transforming from a DJ service into a true event production company.
Tune in for a real conversation about betting on yourself, scaling a creative business, and how integrity, preparation, and long-term thinking can turn a side hustle into a career.
