Meet Brad Eickhoff

We were lucky to catch up with Brad Eickhoff recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brad, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

While growing up, I was sick with Cancer. Although I was only five years old and facing the possibility of losing my life, I tried to find the best in life. One such way was the Child Life Activity Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital would have different activities and special guests. One such special guests were Magicians.

While watching the Magicians perform magic, I fell in love with the art. Being a young child and unable to participate in normal school based sports or events, magic was something I could do and learn about. My family was supportive and took me to the library and magic shops in Cincinnati. I have practiced and performed magic since then and perform shows for children and families across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. I have survived cancer for 46 years and have performed magic for 46 years as well.

So even though most people might think getting Cancer is bad, I often consider, what if I did not get Cancer? Would I have even gotten interested in Magic and entertained thousands of people during the past four decades?

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Being in the entertainment industry for over Forty years, I always try to keep things fun and interesting. I consider myself as a creative thinker and I am always trying to find new ways to keep things fun and interesting. The main demographics I Focus on are families and children. One day I can be performing for a Birthday party for a five year old and the next day performing for a school or library.

Sometimes I get an idea in my head and I think it might make a great routine to perform, sometimes is clicks and works out great. Other times the routine may not be as smooth and polished. but I work on it until it works out.

I am lucky to have worked with many people in the magic and entertainment industries over the years. One of my friends that has created some props for my shows introduced me to the Foam Party Industry about five years ago. Based on his suggestion, I started offering Foam Parties to my lineup. A new company was formed called Foam Party Entertainment (www.foampartyentertainment.com). This company has been a great success and keeps growing year after year.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Number one skill I Believe is important is listening and understanding your customer. Not all customers are the same. By taking the time to listen to what they are looking for and offering applicable solutions to their needs, the customer will also be happy.

Number two is to be flexible. Yes, having rules and policies are important for any business…… but you have to be somewhat flexible as well. If the event might start 10-15 minutes late, no need to worry. If your time allows, go with the flow and make it work. By being patient, both parties can be stress free and the customer will think you are the greatest person in the world.

Number three is to be proud in your work. If you are not proud in the work that you perform or the product that you produce, who will be? You know the type of hard you that does into creating your product or service and you should tell people that you are happy performing your job and excelling at what you do.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

By Mom and Dad were always supportive in my decisions that I Made growing up. If I said I wanted to perform for a certain event or appear in the newspaper or television show growing up, they would not stop me. They were there every step of the way.

Even today, as an adult, my family is still there and support everything crazy idea I come up with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mymagicpro.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymagicpro
• Other: https://www.eickhoffentertainment.com