We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Hudson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My venture into my current entertainment business started as a completely different industry, out of pure necessity.

Once upon a time I earned a living repairing consumer electronics for a very well-known and large company based in Massachusetts. I soon went into a mechanical design role and after business closer or relocation, I was offered a “work-from-home” option that bred the idea of opening my own mechanical design firm.

Through that experience I really got the hang of how to figure out what people really wanted. All the while I was playing in bands and helping those I had time for, so since the age of 14 I had never really left the music world entirely.

When the timing was right, I opened a management and event company shortly after a multimedia business opened with the focus on creating promotional material for bands/entertainers.

Long story short – I took advantage of things that I felt were worth the risk. The thought process really just analyzed the risks with potential rewards/headache and there’s been no regret.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Hudson Entertainment, LLC is a full service event producer. We also book several entertainers in multiple genres of music and comedy.

The road that lead here was paved by learning the hard way. But the number one business practice that sets us apart is the shear transparency of the operation. We will share all the details of any business deal with anyone involved. While this is NOT the norm, we find that it’s a lot easier to build trust this way. From the opening act on a bill to the bands and venues alike, it’s all an open book. Very few, if not anyone will stand by their ethics as a cornerstone the way we do.

The reputation that people have gained in this business does create an uphill battle for folks like myself but slowly it has built into something much larger than I had ever thought it could be.

I am very proud of the team that has been assembled and that are just as passionate about this method as I am. We always welcome a new challenge and will go way above and beyond to make sure our clients are happy and content.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
People visiting from out of town typically do not come to the town I live/work in…unless I bring them in for an event.

When they do come to town there are two types of places that people tend to prefer – at either of the ends of the spectrum. For those that like a more laid back, dive bar environment, we’d go to 308 Brass Rail (308 Prospect W Prospect St Jackson MI). Or if a bit classier atmosphere is more their thing, then it’s 1 North (2115 Bondsteel Dr, Jackson, MI).

If the client wants to continue the evening, drinks are always flowing at The Town Bar (121 E Cortland St, Jackson, MI), live music is best at The Roadhouse (4112 Lansing Ave, Jackson, MI), and if by some odd chance a dance club fits their fancy, the Foundry is a solid choice (216 Francis St, Jackson, MI).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Growing up in Michigan and being surrounded with a ton of great musicians certainly helped me get to where I am today. From early on, when bands like Kung Fu Diesel and Wrench would let my band use their equipment and play between their sets, to meeting bands like The Verve Pipe and Sponge and taking in all the knowledge that they had to give – it certainly made its mark.

I still work with those bands and I continue to learn from them. Their members and team around them have taught me all sorts of insider music business knowledge – things you can’t get anywhere else, certainly not from some hack selling a $39.99 course on Tik Tok.

Website: hudson-live.com

Instagram: ryanhudsonlive

Facebook: facebook.com/hudsonryan

Image Credits
Steffi Wegewitz // Concert Scene Photography

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