#330 - Jim Brammer - Building a legacy in live events

We’re excited to welcome back Jim Brammer, CEO of Special Event Services and Founder of Concert Stuff Group. From a tobacco farm in North Carolina to stages and stadiums around the world, Jim has spent nearly 40 years shaping the live event industry.He’s worked with artists like Hootie & the Blowfish, Coldplay, and 3 Doors Down, and pioneered arena-quality production for ministries including Dr. Billy Graham, Joyce Meyer, and Joel Osteen. Founder of a network of companies that simplify large-scale events, Jim’s leadership and people-first philosophy earned him the 2024 Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Award.And he’s still building, now bringing world-class entertainment back home with a 5,000-capacity amphitheater in downtown Winston-Salem. From farm fields to global stages, Jim Brammer’s story is pure vision, grit, and heart.In this engaging conversation, Jim Brammer, CEO of Special Event Services and founder of Concert Stuff Group, shares his remarkable journey from a tobacco farm in North Carolina to becoming a key player in the live event industry. He discusses the evolution of his career, the importance of partnerships, and the lessons learned from family and early life experiences. Jim reflects on pivotal moments, including his work with Hootie and the Blowfish and Billy Graham's crusades, which shaped his business trajectory. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in modern entrepreneurship and the challenges faced in adapting to a changing industry landscape. In this conversation, Jim Brammer and the host discuss various themes surrounding business strategy, the impact of AI on decision-making, the evolution of the event industry, and the importance of community and work-life balance. They share personal anecdotes about hiring, leadership lessons from Jack Welch, and the challenges and opportunities in the live events sector, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. The discussion emphasizes the need for innovation, adaptability, and a focus on creating meaningful connections in both personal and professional realms.This Episode is brought to you by Elation and Main Light