Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Yeo.
Hi Jordan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I have tried over time to reflect on the moment that sparked me to chase the creative drive that I have had over the years. The rush of feelings and accomplishment that you get when you start with a concept out of nothing and create something memorable is a feeling that is indescribable. That is what I set out to achieve with every project that I am involved in.
I think I can narrow it down to sometime around 1993-1995, when I first got asked to be involved in a live performance during a corporate annual conference. I can barely remember all the nerves and other feelings that I had during my first performance in front of two to three thousand people. I only had one small speaking line and was so relieved once we were done. The most memorable part for me was getting backstage and having the technical crew put a microphone on me and direct me where to stand and what not to touch. HAHA…
Fast forward to numerous live performances all over the country, learning to play multiple instruments, and a few auditions that didn’t result in getting cast in shows. I had tried for every show and or role that I was cast in to chase that high of getting to spark emotion and feelings from the audience. I had gotten there a few times through the different live performances through high school. I had an amazing teacher throughout high school who pushed me beyond where I thought I should be. That teacher made me see what an impact a single moment could have on a group of people or individuals. After high school, I subconsciously made a choice to create moments and memories for any show or event I was involved in.
Throughout my younger years, I was reminded of my grandfather, whom I unfortunately lost when I was very young. I don’t really have many memories of him except through pictures and stories. My grandfather, Howard Finger, was instrumental in Saginaw Michigan radio, the Saginaw County Fair, and many other local Michigan experiences. In Frankenmuth, Michigan, you can still hear his voice narrate the Glockenspiel at the Bavarian Inn. His radio broadcasting influence trickled down to me, and I went to college at Columbia University in Chicago for radio broadcasting. This was my transition to more of the backstage work rather than the onstage work. My grandfather’s legacy influenced me to pursue voice-over work and more of the backstage work to create impressions and spark emotion in the audience.
Fast forward again! I had a few jobs in the professional world. At one point, I was the director of audiovisuals for a vendor at Navy Pier in Chicago, and then I became a project manager for high-level clients for the same company at the time. I helped these clients create unforgettable meetings, shows, and events for their guests. I soon felt that there was more to my professional career.
This is what launched the idea of my own company to create these unforgettable moments. I focused my business on using technology to enhance a client’s visions and thus sparking emotions from their guests.
Over the years, I have been involved in creating immersive experiences for live events and trade shows. I was able to help my clients focus their stories by bringing in technology and my experience to assist in telling the story. Sometimes, there were visual elements needed to provide stimulating media to showcase their vision. In other instances, there was a need to create a full sensory experience by providing guidance on not only the visual experience but also taking into account all of the other senses. I have guided clients on what their vision smells like to provide the current atmosphere for their target audience.
I have helped those clients showcase their vision and, by doing that, have won a few industry awards. Best logistical achievement for an event award, best lighting design for a private event award, and best in the show for an overall exhibit booth award. My best booth award for the same client was won 2 years in a row for the overall experience that I helped create in their exhibit space.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
I don’t think any business has a smooth journey. The majority of my business and projects require travel. Being away from home and your family always has its challenges. I have been married to my wonderful wife, Jenn, for 13 years.
Almost every time I leave for a project, something happens. Usually, it is one of the kids getting sick, but we have also experienced significant life-changing events. Jenn had to give up her career for a while during my first few years building my business due to me being on the road as much as I was. I missed birthdays, school events, soccer games, softball games, and dance events.
All of this doesn’t hold a candle to what we all experienced in March of 2020. The Covid 19 pandemic destroyed my business within 72 hours. I lost nine months’ worth of work due to the country being shut down. I won’t bore you with all the details, but three years, nine months later…. My wife is working as a manager in a large credit union in Michigan, and I am back managing unforgettable experiences for my clients.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work falls into a lot of different categories. I currently offer:
Live Event Project Management
Live Event Stage Management
Technical Rigging Drawings
Technical Show Drawings
CAD Drawing Services
Live Event Production Rigging
Live Event Show Producer and Show Caller
Live Event Announcing
Live Event Emcee
Voice Over Recording
Lighting Design
Lighting Programming
Timelapse Photography
Event Photography
Event Videography
Product Photography
Product Videography
I mainly specialize in live event production management and production rigging. What is unique about my services is that I am able to bundle multiple services together and manage many different aspects of your project. The value that I am able to provide by bundling my services allows me to create efficiencies and cost savings that most others are not able to provide.
There are a few things that make me proud of doing the work that I do. One of them is having an industry certification for over ten years and being recognized as an industry leader in production rigging. Another proud moment was being asked to sit on a panel discussion for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology and speak to new and incoming people in the industry. It was an honor being asked to be a part of the session and being viewed as an industry leader.
Last but not least, I am proud of my ability to create long-standing relationships with clients. By doing this, I have been able to elevate the experience for their project and be asked to continue to create special moments for their attendees/guests. Some of my clients have been with me for over a decade.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Favorite podcasts:
Dave Ramsey -EntreLeadership
Craig Groeschel – Leadership Podcast
Books:
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect
Grit & Grace – Tim McGraw
How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson
I have had a few mentors over the years who have guided me on technology and trying to become a leader in my industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JordanTylerMedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordantylermedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordantylermedia/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/jordan-tyler-media
Image Credits
Samuel Reed
