ERIC SAMPSON, Owner

Let me start out by saying that I love DJ Firm with all my heart and soul. I truly have a passion for this company and making every event special in its own way. My name is Eric Sampson (DJ Jem),  I helped my best friend and business partner Carlington Young start his adventure called The DJ Firm back in 2014. We wanted to focus on making DJ’s from events cool again and changing the narrative of a typical wedding DJ. I was influenced by DJ culture early and my dad gave me opportunities to mix records at the early age of 8. I played my first party when I was 13 at a middle school called Heaven in Evanston, IL. 

I have a family that is nothing short of amazing and I really could not have come this far without them! My goal, along with my values is to always ensure that The DJ Firm provides the best talent and service an entertainment company has to offer. We have a great group of individuals and I can wait for you to meet them and me. Let’s connect.

Fun Fact: I love all things that have to do with space :)

CARLINGTON YOUNG, OWNER

Over the last 9 years, I have enjoyed being a co-owner of The DJ Firm. It has really given me a fresh outlook on life, I was put on this earth to bring joy to others.  We have had opportunities to work with different clients from different walks of life and I love learning about other people's culture.

Over the years I have picked up a few new hobbies. In my free time I love to watch cooking shows and try new recipes with my daughter. Music has been a part of my life ever since I was a child. The genres of music I enjoy listening to are reggae, hip-hop, and early 2000 music with a splash of country music. In a unique way, nightlife exposed me to the event industry, so I wanted to bring the excitement of a nightlife DJ to different types of events. Overall, It’s really important to me that all our clients are satisfied.

Fun Fact: Not a lot of people know this about me, but I was born in Jamaica. My favorite type of food is seafood. 

Ruben Andrade, Event Advisor

-Director of Sales and Event Advisor

Born and raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago , I always had an affinity for music from a young age. Whether I was blaring hip hop from my ford toyota, jamming out to a classic mariachi band at a quinceanera, or simply playing my guitar, trombone, or piano at home - if there was music, I was in love.

Upon graduation from high school, I spent numerous years in the service industry; finetuning and sharpening his interpersonal and customer service skills.  After nearly a decade in the service industry, I shift to catering and found his way to The DJ Firm; I loved the misson the company embodied and it truly resonated with me. 

In my spare time, you can catch Ruben baking a variety of pastries, catching up on reality TV shows and cult-classic movies, spending time with friends and family, and of course, listening to music (in particular Chicago-style house).  

Fun Fact: Ruben does not have a middle name - it is simply Ruben.

Marco Valentin, Production Manager

-Production Manager

My interest in music began at an early age. Born and raised in the Southside of Chicago, my cousins were all DJ’s, graffiti artists and music producers. Any opportunity given to throw a party or celebrate a birthday was a reason to bring their DJ equipment out. Salsa, G House, Freestyle and Hip-Hop where the primary styles of music played and influenced my love for all that was next to come.

After spending a couple seasons up and down the east coast, I came to the realization that out of everything I’ve experienced and learned, I wished to do more with what happens behind the scenes or part of the production process. This type of thinking led me back to my roots here in Chicago where I discovered The DJ Firm and there is nothing more exciting than working with a company that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, but a place that also feels like home. 

Fun Fact: I once spent two seasons producing maple syrup

SARAH REAGAN, EVENT MANAGER

After moving from St. Louis to Chicago to pursue a career in DJing, I fell upon the perfect home at The DJ Firm.

I spent years working in the service industry and was given the opportunity to try DJ and create a Ladies Night for one of the bars I worked at. I have been DJing ever since and Its only natural that I fell into the event managment role. I love details and sticking to a proccess that deliver proven results. I love love music, especially hip-hop and house. The one thing I would say about Chicago is that you could never go wrong with a rooftop.

When I am not working on events or DJing, I love to explore Chicago, taking photos on my film camera and spending time with friends and family.

Fun Fact: I LOVE all food but my favorites are tacos and Thai food!