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

Hi Joe, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I’m curious about everything around me in my field. I started as a musician when I was a teenager. I played on my first professional studio session at age 16. I immediately wanted to learn everything about the process of producing music. I went on tour with a stage play as musical director when I was 21. That made me curious about the entire process of theatrical production. So at every stage of my career, not only did I study MY craft, but I wanted to learn how EVERYTHING worked. Little did I know that I was preparing myself to be a CEO

What should our readers know about your business?
Joe Smith Media is a tv, film, music, and live event production company. I’ve had the pleasure of traveling the world touring, producing multiple music projects, as well as feature films and documentaries. I also have several corporate clients that I service on a regular basis. I’m most proud of all of the opportunities that I have been able to give to people who thought that they would have to move to LA or New York to pursue their dream of acting, or directing, or working in production. We’re doing it right here in Detroit. And it’s also great economic empowerment. I’m employing 20-50 people each project. That feels great

I’m also the founder of Mainstreem, a free ad supported streaming platform launching this year in 2025. I’m so excited about being in a place where I can give a platform to unnoticed content creators like I was at one time

One of the challenges with both businesses is a common one, and that is access to capital. But I’ve been able to overcome that firstly by educating myself on funding opportunities that are available to small businesses, like CDFI Banks, and secondly by surrounding myself with other successful individuals. All of my investors for my films have been individuals that I’ve known for decades…and also, they’re all African-American…which I’m very proud of. So they’ve seen my work as I went from music and concert production, to stage play production, to documentaries. I had built a track record of excellence, so when it was time to ask for an investment to produce feature films, they trusted that I would be a good investment. Notice that I said that “I” would be a good investment. Because when people invest, they’re not investing in your idea, they’re investing in YOU! You can have a great idea, but if people perceive you to be untrustworthy, or incompetent, they’re not going to invest

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s so many places.. The Clique, L. Georges, or Joe Louis Southern Kitchen for breakfast, J. Alexanders, Cooper’s Hawk, Lillie Mae’s Southern Kitchen, or Stage Deli for lunch, and London Chop House or Joe Muer’s for dinner. A lot of friends from out of town are astonished when I take them certain places because they think Detroit is just a big deserted wasteland because of all the negative media coverage from back in the day. Then they come and see that it’s actually sexy here lol. Then there are also so many other amazing places in Michigan where you can get away and relax.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My father Joe Smith Jr, my mother Ada M. Smith, and my pastors Apostle Wayne T. and Dr. Beverly Jackson. They all helped shape my mindset and showed me examples of what a relationship with God looks like, as well as what success, tenacity, hard work, and determination can get me. Also my older sister and my cousin Chuckie. They’ve both been through and endured so much pain and so many obstacles in their lives, but they NEVER gave up. I’ve always seen them press through any and everything. So shoutout to them

Instagram: millionairejoe

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joesmithmainstreem

Image Credits
All photos courtesy of Joe Smith

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMichigan is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.