Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Derald Gray. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Derald, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose when I realized that my God-given talents in music and video production could create more than just art — they could create joy, connection, and lasting memories. From a young age, I was drawn to storytelling through visuals and sound. Whether it was capturing moments with a camera or curating the perfect playlist to lift spirits, I always felt most alive when I was creating something that brought people together. These passions became more than hobbies; they became the foundation of my professional journey. But it wasn’t until I started using these skills to help others celebrate life’s most important milestones that I truly understood my calling.
The turning point came when I discovered how transformative my work could be for others. Whether it was spinning tracks as a DJ to fill a dance floor with energy or crafting a wedding video that preserved precious memories, I began to see the impact I could have. Helping couples celebrate their love stories or businesses tell their brand stories made me realize that my talents were not just tools for personal expression but powerful instruments for making a difference. Every beat I mix and every frame I edit is part of a larger purpose — one that brings people together and helps them celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.
Today, my work is more than just a career; it’s a mission. Through music and video, I have the privilege of helping others experience joy, connection, and celebration. It’s a deeply fulfilling journey that has taught me the value of using your gifts to serve others. Knowing that my creativity can contribute to the happiest days of people’s lives solidifies my belief that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. This realization fuels my passion to continue growing, innovating, and making an impact through my craft.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
What makes my work special is the combination of artistry and human connection. It’s not just about playing great music or delivering polished videos; it’s about understanding my clients’ stories, their dreams, and what matters most to them. That personal touch, combined with attention to detail and high-energy execution, is what sets DG Visionaries apart. It’s also why we’ve been able to grow from just a passion project to a sought-after name in the Midwest wedding and event industry. I’m especially proud of how our team has expanded over the years, and how we’re now offering not just entertainment but also planning services through Visionary Planning, creating a seamless experience for our clients.
As we continue to grow, we have big plans to expand to new cities across the nation, creating exciting new content for our clients and providing our DJs with opportunities to turn their side gig into a full-time career. In addition to expanding our reach, we’re also enhancing our entertainment offerings with photo booths, audio guest books, and deluxe packages to give clients an even more immersive experience. It’s an exciting time for our team, and we’re committed to making every celebration visionary!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are resilience, effective communication, and creativity. Each has played a critical role in shaping my path and guiding me through challenges and opportunities.
Resilience has been the cornerstone of my journey. Starting and growing a business comes with inevitable setbacks, and learning to adapt, persevere, and stay focused on the bigger picture has been invaluable. For anyone starting their journey, I recommend embracing failure as a stepping stone. Learn from it, pivot when necessary, and trust that persistence will pay off.
Effective communication has been essential, whether it’s building relationships with clients, leading my team, or working with partners. Clear, empathetic communication fosters trust and ensures that expectations are aligned. My advice here is to actively listen—whether to clients, mentors, or peers. Practice articulating your ideas and feedback constructively; it’s a skill that will serve you in every area of your journey.
Finally, creativity has been the heartbeat of my work. Whether it’s crafting unique wedding experiences or producing compelling video content, thinking outside the box has helped me stand out in a crowded field. To nurture creativity, I suggest exploring new ideas and perspectives regularly. Surround yourself with inspiring people, consume diverse media, and make time to brainstorm and experiment—it’s in those moments of exploration that innovation happens.
By cultivating these qualities, you’ll build a strong foundation for whatever journey you’re embarking on, turning challenges into opportunities and visions into reality.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Our ideal clients are those who value creativity, professionalism, and connection. Whether it’s couples planning their dream wedding, businesses needing impactful video production, or anyone hosting a milestone celebration, we love working with people who are passionate about making their event truly special. Ideal clients are collaborative, open to ideas, and excited to create something unique and meaningful. They trust us to bring their vision to life while allowing us to sprinkle our expertise and creativity into the process.
We particularly resonate with clients who want to make their events high-energy, joyful, and memorable. People who care about attention to detail and understand the importance of personalized entertainment or storytelling are a great fit for what we do. If you or someone you know is ready to plan an incredible event or produce standout content, we’d love to connect and explore how we can make it happen.
Visit us at dgvisionaries.com/contact to get started. Let’s create beautiful memories together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dgvisionaries.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dgvisionaries
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DGVisionaries/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deraldgray/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/dgvisionaries
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dg-visionaries-elkhart?osq=dg+visionaries
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dgvisionaries
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