Mike Gradian of Meridian, Idaho on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Mike Gradian and have shared our conversation below.

Mike, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
When I’m making music, whether it’s creating a new idea, structuring out something I’ve been working on, or finishing up a track.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mike Gradian, and I’ve spent most of my life making a living being a creative! I spent 20 years in the restaurant industry as a Chef, went to culinary school, and worked in all the different areas, I could try out to gain experience. Hotels, catering companies, being a personal chef, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, consulting, and developing product. The whole time I had music blasting in every kitchen I ran. I had from mixtapes I made, on cassette tapes, cds, and eventually playing off my phone, everyone working for me had to listen to what I played.
I learned I could change the energy in these kitchens, and keep everyone upbeat, and for the most part excited to be there. I went from playing my mixtapes for my employees, to now DJing weddings, corporate events, and private parties. I have a radio show every tuesday on a local radio station in Boise called Tropico FM. I’ve released original music, 2 projects of hip hop to future funk instrumentals, and also have collaborated with some amazing artists, doing remixes or original stuff with them. I registered my music business label, 5th Empire back in 2006, almost 19 years ago as a side hustle, because I loved it so much. If you really go all in on your passion, time flies by when your having fun! I’m very grateful and thankful, for all the people and experiences that have brought me to where I am today. Starting small and working on your plan a little each day, will open up a door that will eventually let you do it full time!

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
It was definitely an Executive Chef that I worked for who showed me how to manage and maintain a very large hotel. He was amazing with the numbers, scheduling the large staff we had, organizing,producing, and cooking all the food, maintaining a fun working environment, and training me to eventually run a hotel – food and beverage department of my own. His ability to run such a big operation by mapping it all out, and working backwards with daily, weekly, and monthly tasks, taught me a lot about running a business. A lot of the ideas, and processes he taught me, I’ve been able to apply to the 5th Empire.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering and going through the pain of bad decisions, teaches you quickly not to do it again. Any time I’m out DJing a wedding or event, I like to reflect afterwards on the equipment I’m using and could it be better, or the process of setting something up to make it easier. Also the more I can over communicate with my client at the time the better. Ultimately, I’m always trying to create a friendship of some sort with them, I think it’s easier to do business that way.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
That I’m loving, loyal, kind, really enjoy teaching and sharing all the knowledge I have of DJing, and music. Also, keeping everything light hearted, I love cracking jokes!

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That they watched me pursue my passion for music, and everything creative with in it. Hopefully, it gives someone I know watching, the inspiration to take a step towards their dream.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Kenny Macias
Gordie Tamayo
Curtis Reynolds

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