Many people have asked me, "I have never heard of
Summit City Rental" or "How long have you been around?".
Summit City Rental has been around since December 2012, but we go farther back in time with the wedding industry.
My name is Eric Michael Smith and I started a company called
EMS Disc Jockey Services in Fort Wayne, IN. I was enthused by the wedding business from my step-brother (Aaron Smith) wedding. The DJ had big speakers, awesome lighting, and was part of a fun environment! (I FELL IN LOVE!) I was at the age of 15 with a part time job, in middle school, and very little money to by the big speakers and awesome lighting!
So with my mom I started going to garage sales and came across some live sound gear. The gear was in mint condition and I was on my way to become the DJ that had fun, but I had no customer or people that knew about me.
I started advertising on gas station bulletin boards and within a few months I had my first wedding. I charged $180.00 for 5 hours! I was so cheap and my bride and groom loved my ambition! Since then that first wedding has referred over 15 engaged couples my way and I couldn't be excited! I have stayed in touch with them via facebook.
What really helped me get my start in being a wedding DJ was working for Rob Young who owned Bow Tie Occasions DJ Service in Fort Wayne, IN (No longer in service). I was so eager to join that I did it for free just to watch the flow and take part in the fun and make my way into the DJ booth. Unfortunately, a year later Rob sells Bow Tie Occasions to Sean Meade who decided I was no longer needed. It was time to start my company and go fully on my own!
I took my initial of my name and combined them together which was
E - M - S. I got this idea from the boy band group N'Sync. I started doing my first bridal show and I was increasing weddings every year from 1 to 5 to 15 to 150 events a year now as of 2014! (I couldn't be more excited)
As any entrepreneur goes into business they are brought upon many ideas that they do or don't do to increase business. One idea brought up was the rental industry for weddings and private events. It goes hand and hand with my
DJ service, same clientele (usually) and the option to make more money to create a better living and employee more individuals.
This is how
Summit City Rental became about. I have a lot of people to thank for making
Summit City Rental a success in such a short time. A BIG BIG shout out goes to my parents Michael and Nancy Smith! My parents have been very supportive in my adventures and have allowed me to push myself harder and harder to succeed. Another great shout out goes to
Casey Price from Hotel Fort Wayne! She has allowed us into her facility with our up lighting and linens! I have been so excited to work with her.
If you want to talk more or place your order call us at (260) 267-6730. I hope you were excited to learn more about
Summit City Rental (Event Lighting & Table Fashions)!
Eric Michael Smith
Founder/Owner
