Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in music but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marcello Rossi, Founder of Marross Productions, located in Warren, MI, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a retired Music Director from the Archdiocese of Detroit of 30 years. I primarily teach privately out of the Piano Place in Troy, MI, and Kawai Music in Shelby Township. I also teach group lessons to youngsters ranging from 4 to 7 in Little Mozart's program and 8-12 in the Youth Beginners program out of Kawai Music throughout the year. I also am a guest musician at churches that are in need of substitute help throughout the area, playing masses, funerals, and weddings. I also help produce young artists looking to create demo recordings in hopes of promoting a recording/ performance career.

Tell us about yourself

I have been teaching privately, voice, piano, and wind instruments since I was 20. I primarily worked out of Gus Zoppi Music Center in Warren and Sterling Heights in the Detroit Metro Area. I started being an Assistant Music Director at 19 yrs old and then Music Director at 25 for three churches in the Archdiocese of Detroit. St. Matthias as an assistant and director at St. Mark and St. Daniel. Motivation is easy when you are as passionate about music as I am.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment, I would say, was when I re-engaged my business after I retired from St. Daniel in 2020. In a span of 8 months, I was able to go from 8 students (as I was just doing it for extra income while I was employed at St. Daniel full time) to 36 students, plus teaching the aforementioned group classes and being a much sought after guest organist/ musician at many parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit. Thus growing my business by over 600% in that span of time.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing is to continue to organize, maintain and expand your business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be passionate about what you are doing. If you love your work, then it comes easier.
  2. Care about your clients. Showing you care will nurture a relationship that will ensure long-lasting, repeat business.
  3. Stay sharp. Do not rest on your accolades. Keep hungry and vigilant as your performance will always be assessed, and potential customers are always looking for what you offer, so be sure your product is the best of your quality.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.marrossproductions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marrossproductions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcellorossi62/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Marcell23386689
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcello-rossi-39b82497/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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