Rock The House Presents: Photos In A Flash

July 11, 2015/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

At Rock The House we pride ourselves on having the latest and greats pieces of technology. Often times we will review the products we offer to assure that we are presenting you with the top of the line devices. As a result, we have some cool things in our shop that you may see behind the scenes of your event. We control our lighting with iPads, equalize audio with the most up to date mixing boards, and test our fog machines –sometimes just for fun…

With continued technology and the evolution of computer storage, we figured it was time to say goodbye to CD/DVD discs. Starting this month, Rock The House will be sending out all photo novelty pictures on 8-Gigabyte flash drives.

These drives are at no additional cost when you book our standard photo packages. It is our way of assuring that you get your photos back, in a flash! The drive will come in a protective plastic case to make sure there is no damage. You will receive the digital files from your event shortly after the conclusion. Once you have saved your photos to your computer and shared them online, the flash drive is yours to keep!

Rock The House will continue to procure items that make our production value the best around. We always want our products to match our excellent services to the customer – and that has been proven time and time again.

Rock The House – New Playlist Series

July 2, 2015/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

We at Rock The House are excited to announce our new Spotify playlist series!

Considering that we are listening to music all day, building playlists for your wedding, jamming to Rock The House Live band practice, and dancing on Marvin Gaye on Mondays, we thought it was time to start sharing our wealth of musical knowledge.

This collection will be 100% free to you, as long as you have a Spotify account, which you can sign up for at no cost as well. We want to provide you with music for holidays, wedding dance ideas, throwbacks, and much more. As time goes on the collection will grow and soon you will have a playlist built for every event imaginable!

We are kicking off our featured playlist for this holiday weekend. Check out our 4^th Of July playlist for all tunes that with the theme of Independence Day – from Party in the U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus to American Pie by Don McClain. This hour and twenty minute long list will give your party the patriotic flair it deserves while you kick back and enjoy some friends, family, and fireworks.

We hope you all have a great 4^th Of July weekend and check back soon for more great playlists!

RTH: Working For Humans Since 1999

June 26, 2015/in All Posts, DJ Akron, DJ Cleveland, Gay Weddings, Weddings /by mhadder4561

June 26th, 2015: A day that symbolizes the biggest civil rights victory for same-sex couples in U.S. history. In an unprecedented ruling, the United States Supreme Court extended the right for same-sex couples to marry in all 50 states. This landmark decision will bring the topic of same-sex marriage to the forefront of many conversations amongst friends, family and co-workers. Personally, this decision is something that I have been looking forward to for over 10 years.

This morning as I sat in my car and heard the news, I was unsure of how I would react. As someone who’s been blessed with being in a same-sex relationship for over 10 years, my partner and I have both been anticipating this day. I expected feelings of happiness and quite possibly a sense of relief, but I never imagined the outpour of emotions that would immediately follow. My eyes teared up as I thought about how all types of committed relationships now share the same basic right of marriage equality.

Now, while I understand there are many obstacles surrounding marriage equality and the access to basic human rights, I want to focus on something equally as important. Every loving couple, whether you are LGBTQ or straight, deserves to enjoy that one special day. They deserve that one special wedding; that one special song to gaze into each others eyes and proclaim in front of their loved ones and the State that they are committed to each other. “To have and to hold, in sickness and health, for rich or poor, in joy and sorrow, for as long as we both shall live”.

This is a triumphant day, not just for me, but for the Cleveland wedding industry! Working in this field for over 15 years, I have had the honor of performing at over 500 wedding receptions and have been a guest at numerous others. Being able to share in that special day in any capacity is a testament to the perseverance, dedication and true love between two people.

I am proud to stand up for equality; not just for LGBTQ wedding equality, but for everyone. I am proud of who I am and for what my partner and I have endured to have “that one moment”. I am proud to have made the decision to work for a company like Rock The House that not only embraces equality, but is on the forefront of welcoming ALL couples to our family… and has done so since it was founded in 1999.

It’s what we do. It’s what we’ve always done. Cleveland Wedding DJ Entertainment, Live Bands, Lighting, Photo booths, and Videography – We would be honored to help you plan your special day… The one you’ve been waiting a lifetime for.

Sincerely Yours,

Nick Duve, Marketing Manager

Rock The House Family of Companies

Rock The House Annual Meeting A Huge Success!

May 20, 2015/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

RTH Combines Fun and Humility to Beat Competition

If your first thoughts once you realize you’ve been scheduled a 9 to 5 on a Sunday include the idea of cashing in one of your sick days, then you don’t work for Rock The House.

From the moment RTH team members arrived at their annual All-Staff meeting, the stage was set for something more colorful than your typical yearly staff assembly. Team members, who on this day felt more like guests of honor, were politely encouraged to meet and greet with folks they hadn’t met yet over coffee and an array of breakfast muffins.

For members like myself, it was a chance to put names to faces that – to that point – I had only shared emails with. For others, it was an opportunity to relive memories with someone they hadn’t worked with in a long time. Perhaps even as long as last year’s Annual Kickoff Meeting.

“The production team spared no time or resources when designing the audio, video, and lighting design. We do this for a living, but it was an exciting opportunity to put what we do into action for our own team.” — RTH Founder & CEO Matt Radicell

Two giant video screens accented both sides of the elevated stage, and there was enough lighting to host a respectable New Year’s Eve party. The stage, which was at least two feet off the ground, looked more prepped for a rock concert than a company meeting. There were a half dozen sets of high-end, and very loud, speakers strategically scattered throughout the Event Hall of downtown Cleveland’s Red Space, the perfect setting for such an event.The stage also featured a see-through glass bowl that was introduced to members as ‘the question bowl‘. Throughout the day teammates were encouraged to write relevant questions with the provided pen and notepad and were promised an answer by RTH managers at some point during the day. The effect was two-pronged; it allowed the meeting to flow smoothly with minimal interruption, and it allowed every person in the room a chance to ask whatever they wanted and receive a genuine response before they left.

Red Space, created by Hot Cards is a unique open gallery designed to host a variety of different events. According to isescleveland.com,”This raw and open space is perfect for eclectic events looking for something different.” Red Space has hosted everything from conferences and weddings to art shows and wine tastings. It truly allows the client to dictate the setting. It was a perfect fit for Rock The House.

Now, Let’s Get Hands On

The all day affair didn’t just entail team building exercises and listening to speeches. Peppered into the afternoon activities was a little hands on training that proved to be very beneficial to rookies and veterans alike.

Another point of the meeting was to stress the importance of attention to detail. Hanging drape is an essential component of a multitude of RTH shows, and a brief re-teaching course of how to do it was an inevitable stop along the map of the days activities. A recap of the terminology paired with some secret tips and tricks allowed team members to pick up on a few things they either didn’t know, forgot, or just were never formally taught. The heights and weights of the drapes used in some shows can be substantial, and the short learning session can be considered a safety issue if nothing else.

Carnival Cruise Director Eric Brouman was brought in to offer some of the core values coveted by his employer. The theme of this interaction was to highlight what Brouman called ‘being on‘, stressing positive attitudes and professional appearances the moment team members walk into an event. As expected, the similarities between the two entertainment company’s were bountiful. As part of his module, RTH members were split into two groups and instructed to come up with their own core values. After the lists were compiled each team voted on their favorite codes. A brief discussion and video recap highlighted Brouman’s segment.

While Sunday’s meeting had all the flair of a high profile party, the intent and attention to detail provided much more than your regular company meeting. We laughed. We learned. We focused our energy on one goal; being the best and becoming better.

Throughout the day it was apparent that Rock The House was a company built by people that genuinely care about their members. For myself it felt like more than just a typical work meeting, it felt like a celebration.

Rock The House Adds 4 ISES Wow! Awards

April 30, 2015/in All Posts, Corporate Production, Disc Jockeys, Industry Professionals /by mhadder4561

Dale McDonald Photography

On Friday, April 17th, the who’s who of the local events industry congregated in Columbus, Ohio to celebrate the 4th Annual ISES Ohio WOW! Awards. Cameron Mitchell Premier Events hosted the assembly, and the Ivory Room of Downtown Columbus provided the illustrious setting. Representatives from more than 20 Ohio based event and entertainment groups and corporations were present.

ISES, which stands for the International Special Events Society, has a Cleveland chapter that’s been active since 2008. The 100 plus member organization hosts events throughout the year designed to help companies like Rock The House grow and expand their reach, all while giving back to the special events community.

Dale McDonald Photography

“Our events have allowed our members to learn more about how to market their business in the 21st century, how to explore green and organic options for more sustainable events, how to accommodate different ethnic and cultural traditions into their events, what trends to watch for in the future, and so much more!” – ISESCleveland.com

Dale McDonald Photography

Also, as with any business, ISES imparts the importance of networking and community outreach. With the multitude of representatives from like minded organizations always in attendance, these events provide a stage for just that. Representing Rock The House was Founder & CEO – Matt Radicelli, COO – Ryan Konikoff, and Executive Assistant to the CEO – Amy Van Duyne.

This year RTH proudly captured four WOW awards, including:

2015 Best Corporate Event with a budget over $150,000
2015 Best Social Event with a budget over $75,000
2015 Best Entertainment Production with a budget between $25,000 – $75,000
2015 Best ISES Event Volunteer Collaboration

“It was a pleasure to hang out with other members from the ISES Columbus and ISES Cincinnati chapters, and we were proud to bring four awards home for ISES Cleveland!” – Amy Van Duyne of Rock The House

The ISES Event Volunteer Collaboration recognition was bestowed upon Rock The House and some of their associates for an event called ‘A Mammoth Night of Networking.’ Rock The House partnered with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Event Source, Solus Lighting and Executive Caterers to make that night a huge success.

Rock The House also expresses a special congratulations to our sister company, Zone Entertainment, who came home with three additional WOW awards!

Over the years Rock The House has impressively collected 13 total ISES Ohio WOW! Awards. With the company rapidly growing, it doesn’t appear they’ll be slowing down anytime soon.

We’re Growing Again!

January 20, 2015/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Jobs That Rock!

Rock The House is looking for people with passion who want an opportunity to impact their client’s most important days.

Our mission is to provide industry-leading products and services that are superior to those of our competitors through innovation, strength of character, attention to detail, and our commitment to unparalleled customer service, while maintaining profitability and taking excellent care of our employees.

We are hiring for the following positions:

Marketing Manager
Event Production Managers
Corporate Event Sales Associates
Social Event Sales Associates
Audio/Video/Lighting Technicians
Photo Booth Hosts
Performance Talent

rock- If you share our core values and are looking for a either a full-time or part-time, high-energy, and FUN job, you might be just who we are looking for.

Click here to start the process.

Cleveland Rocks New Year’s Eve

November 21, 2014/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

CLE Rocks NYE

Rock The House is honored to have been chosen as the official production partner of Cleveland New Year’s Eve Alliance and the Ohio Homecoming Group’s “Cleveland Rocks New Year’s Eve” this year in downtown Cleveland! Celebrating our hometown with other passionate business owners is a privilege made even better by partners we call friends.

Last year’s event was unbelievably big and this year the plans have the event expanding to include more acts, indoor accommodations and more! With acts like Machine Gun Kelly, Carlos Jones and E-V, there’s no doubt this is going to be an incredible celebration of a new year and Cleveland.

RTH Founder/Owner Matt Radicelli, Ohio Homecoming’s Alonzo Mitchell, Hotcards CEO, John Gadd

Make sure you sign up for the mailing list on the CLE Rocks NYE website.
Learn more about Ohio Homecoming
Click here for the Flyer for more information on CLE Rocks NYE
Press release of the Announcement

Team Member of the Month – Travis Rose

November 20, 2014/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

A Perfect Balance of Leadership and Entertainment

Travis Rose has been with the Rock The House team for only two and a half years. We exaggerate “only” because we wouldn’t have had our most successful years with out him. Travis has a skill set so vast there could be a book about it – MC skills, ability to DJ, knowledge of lighting, human resources, employee management, and sales are an example of just the first page.

Travis is a unique study, and we knew that from his interview years ago. When Travis was hired, we needed someone who could consult on events, and be an entertainer on the weekends. To prove he had the weekend skills, Travis showed us something that solidified the job for him.

“When I was interviewing, I was asked if I had any skills as an entertainer. I knew I had to do something to impress everyone in the room. I have always thought I was pretty good at free style rapping, so I took that to the next level. I grabbed the remote, pretending it was a microphone, and jumped up on the table. About mid jump I realized I couldn’t curse in the interview, so I had to think quickly and choose a safe song to rap. I ended up completing an Incubus song and the room burst out in cheers and laughter. I had a feeling at that point I nailed it and had the job!”

He was right. Travis has been entertaining on the weekends and keeping people in good spirits in the office during his time here. Recently Travis was given a promotion and now is the head of crew scheduling. He has risen to the top as an entertainer and become one of our greatest leaders. As a leader, Travis has the ability to motivate people and lead by example.

“Having fun is the most important aspect of the job. When the crew and guests at an event are enjoying themselves, it’s a win. I am always going to make sure other around me is having a great time. When it comes down to it, I am not afraid to be serious and business minded.”

COO & Creative and Talent Director Ryan Konikoff has worked very closely with Travis. They have grown together here at RTH and now share some of the same tasks. Ryan believes that Travis has a unique skill in working with clients from the very first introduction, to the completion of an event.

“Travis has a truly amazing rapport with his clients. It is common that when an evaluation comes back from an event not only will the client take the time to mention the amazing experience they had onsite working with our event staff, but also how special the planning and sales process was working with Travis. They mention he listened, he cared, and he was there for them every step of the way. This is something we hope all sales staff can learn from and try to mimic in their client interactions.”

Travis has become a great advocate for our employees. He makes sure that their voices are heard and their issues are understood. He works with management and staffs to make sure all views are embraced. He is one of the main people we count on to help in the continuing success of Rock The House.

Team Member of the Month – Chad Goldberg

October 28, 2014/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

A Youthful Inspiration Within the Warehouse

Rock The House has always been a company that looks at its own employees to grow and take on leadership roles. We embody the spirit of advancement from within the organization. With a constant growth, we make sure that when new employees join the team they are the right fit. In this special case, we were able to groom one from the beginning.

Chad Goldberg is one of the younger employees at RTH. So young in fact, we helped with his Bar Mitzvah only four short years ago. On his special day he got a taste of what it was like to party with RTH and couldn’t let it go. He has now been with the team for two and a half years. Chad believes in teamwork and knowing that events cannot come together single handedly.

“My favorite part of being part of this team is knowing that I can always rely on any other member of the team for help and to get our assigned job done efficiently.

Being part of the RTH team means, a lot since it is such a unique job. I get to come to work every weekend and see a tremendous amount of talent all come together and do what we love. Being part of the RTH team is like being part of a second family; we spend so much time together that we all get to know each other very well.”

Production Manager Ben Allison strongly believes in Chad’s abilities. So much so that he even lets him take the lead on some warehouse work.

“Chad is a motivated, self reliant, team player. He does what is needed to get the job done and supports his co-workers, all while soaking up anything and everything he can learn. He is important because seeing a young face striving for so much and achieving, inspires and motivates others. I hope that people can draw from his positive attitude and leadership mentality.”

Chad began at Rock The House as a shop assistant. Performing manual labor such as moving road cases, sweeping the shop, wrapping cables, and every other task you can image in a production warehouse. His perseverance has pushed him to where he is now. A lot can happen in two and a half years, and with his head held high, Chad will become even more valuable as years go bye. His passion for event production is unmatched when it comes to his age group.

“The thing I enjoy most about contributing to clients events is seeing their initial reaction when they walk into the venue and putting forth my best effort to make it an enjoyable, memorable event.”

We truly enjoy having Chad around the shop and office. He is always eager to help out and his thirst for learning will take him far.

COSE Small Business Pitch – A Shark Tank Style Event

October 22, 2014/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

COSE Small Business Pitch Showcases Ohio Entrepreneurs

ABC’s Shark Tank started in 2009 with investors looking to find the next big thing. It has garnered a following of entrepreneurs, dreamers, doers, and people who truly believe in themselves and their product. Average people with an idea they brought to fruition come into The Tank and pitch their concept to a panel of businessmen and women who have proven success in their respective fields. Some times the Sharks believe in the entrepreneur’s dreams and invest, and often times they pass on the commodity of these business hopefuls.

Fast forward to 2014 and The Council of Smaller Enterprises, also known as COSE, can attest that people want to see business competition, and they are making it happen for the third year in a row. The setting may not be the glitz and the glam of TV network studio, but a safari themed oasis in Sandusky, Ohio known as Kalahari Resorts & Convention.

COSE brings their Small Business Convention to Kalahari every October and the COSE Business Pitch Competition is one of the highlights of the convention. After several months and a few rounds of competition, the finals are set in a similar style to SharkTank. The prizes vary from $5,000 for third and fourth place, $10,000 for second, and a grand prize of $20,000 to the first place winner.

Rock The House provides audio, lighting, video, and our social media wall known as SocialCast to the three-day convention. During this time we get to showcase what we do best while enjoying the stories of other small business in the Northeast Ohio area.

This year brought out four very diverse finalists – Brewnuts, Colby Featherbottom’s Custom Sound Machines, Consult Mango, and The Digital Mosaic.

Each of the company’s leaders is allowed 15 minutes to present their product to a panel of judges, answer questions from the judges, and field a Q&A with the audience. After that hour has passed, the judges gather to discuss to select a winner for the $20,000 prize.

The first pitch was from Eric Vennaro of Consult Mango. Eric and his company have a strong belief in the education for international students wanting to learn in America. Consult Mango is an advertising platform that helps colleges and universities post ads and create content on international social media.

The second pitch came from Shelley Fasulko of Brewnuts. Shelley began her company with fiancé John Pippin about a year ago. By combining two of America’s favorite things, beer and donuts, you can bet Brewnuts is one sweet deal. They are putting a whole new spin on bar food, and hope to open their permanent location in Ohio City next year.

Thirdly came Ryan Schoeneman of Colby Featherbottom’s Custom Sound Machines. Ryan believes in creating custom guitars at a lower cost and a quicker turn around time. His pitch fits perfectly with a city like Cleveland – the heart of Rock and Roll.

Finally came Natalie Bauman of The Digital Mosaic. Natalie is bringing her innovative approach of video storytelling to families, senior living facilities and senior communities. Her app will help catalog family stories, one moment at a time.

The judges came back from recess, and offered advice to each individual before selecting the winner.

Tied for third place and each taking home $5,000 were The Digital Mosiac and Consult Mango.

After a moment of suspense, Brewnuts was announced as the second place winner of $10,00 and Colby Featherbottom’s Custom Sound Machines became the COSE Small Business Pitch contest winner of $20,000.

Each leader was gleaming with joy for their prize while the handshakes and congratulations came bustling to each of the four contestants. The night is surely a memorable one for each company, and each business is sure to thrive in the coming year.