Community Highlights: Meet Alexander McGaughey of On The Move Entertainment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexander McGaughey.

Alexander, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States during high school. Adjusting to a new culture and education system while learning English was a major challenge, but it taught me how to adapt quickly and stay focused under pressure, skills that have stuck with me ever since.

After high school, I attended Western Michigan University and earned a degree in Business Marketing. During college, I balanced a full course load while working a full time job. Those years taught me how to manage time, stay disciplined, and make the most of every opportunity.

Professionally, I started my career in logistics as a freight broker and logistics coordinator before moving into the automotive industry. I joined Zeigler BMW as a product specialist, where I developed product knowledge and a passion for helping people find the right vehicle for their needs. I was later promoted to Client Advisor, a role that allows me to build strong client relationships and guide people through one of their most important purchases.

At the same time, I launched On The Move, an event promotion and lifestyle brand based in Kalamazoo. I’ve planned and hosted dozens of events, built partnerships with local creatives, led a team of student ambassadors, and grown our presence through social media and word-of-mouth. It’s been a hands-on experience in leadership, branding, and building something from the ground up.

My journey has been shaped by challenges, but each one has helped me grow personally and professionally, giving me a better understanding of what it means to lead, adapt, and keep moving forward.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge along the way has helped shape who I am today.

Moving to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic during high school was a huge adjustment. I had to learn English quickly while trying to keep up with a completely new education system. It was overwhelming at times, but that experience taught me how to adapt, work hard, and stay focused—even when things feel uncertain.

In college, the struggle shifted more toward balancing everything at once—school, work, and personal responsibilities. During my early years at Western Michigan University, I found it difficult to manage time effectively and keep my grades up. It was frustrating to feel like I was falling behind, especially when I knew I was capable of more. But I stayed committed, got better every year, and eventually made the Dean’s List my final semester.

Starting my business, On The Move, while working full-time brought a new set of challenges. There were times when events didn’t go as planned, venues fell through last minute, or turnout wasn’t what I expected. But those experiences taught me how to lead under pressure, solve problems quickly, and keep moving forward even when things didn’t go perfectly.

Every setback helped me build confidence, resilience, and perspective, I carry those lessons with me in everything I do now.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about On The Move Entertainment?
On The Move is an event promotion and lifestyle brand I founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, focused on bringing people together through high-energy, unforgettable experiences. We specialize in organizing nightlife events, parties, and brand activations that highlight local talent—from DJs and creatives to photographers and vendors. What started as a passion project has grown into a recognized name on campus and in the community for hosting well-curated, inclusive, and hype-driven events.

What sets us apart is our focus on both the experience and the culture. We don’t just throw parties—we build vibes. From venue selection to lineup curation to marketing strategy, we pay attention to every detail to ensure each event feels like something you had to be at. Our team is made up of students and young professionals who understand the pulse of the crowd, which allows us to create moments that resonate with our audience.

We’re also known for our strong digital presence and word-of-mouth buzz. We’ve built a loyal following by staying consistent, authentic, and connected to our community. Whether it’s through strategic social media content or our ambassador program that empowers student influencers, we make sure people hear about our events—and want to be part of them.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the way On The Move has created opportunities—not just for me, but for others. I’ve seen DJs book more gigs after performing at our events, photographers expand their portfolios, and ambassadors grow their networks. It’s rewarding to know the platform we’ve built helps others grow while having fun doing it.

Ultimately, On The Move is more than just an event brand—it’s a movement. We’re here to create experiences people remember, support local talent, and keep the energy going in a city that deserves it.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people who know me or my work with On The Move might not know is that I used to be extremely reserved and unsure of myself when I first moved to the U.S. A lot of people see the confidence I bring to events, sales, or branding and assume I’ve always been outgoing—but that wasn’t the case.

Learning a new language and adjusting to a completely different culture forced me to grow quickly, and over time, I learned how to turn discomfort into motivation. The confidence and energy I bring now—whether it’s selling a BMW or leading a packed event—comes from years of pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.

Also, many people don’t realize how much time goes into the behind-the-scenes work. From late-night planning sessions to handling last-minute cancellations or managing budgets, the process isn’t always as glamorous as it looks on social media. But I genuinely love the grind—and that’s something I take pride in.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthemove.entertainment/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/alexmagoyofficial/