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Member Spotlight: The Entertainer
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Dave Tapley has been an NASE Member since 2000. He owns Tapley Entertainment Inc. in Highland Village, Texas.
Tell us about your business.
I started this business as a result of being a successful regional performer myself. I felt that the industry was in need of a more full-service and transparent way of doing business. We’ve provided a variety of national acts, entertainers and musical attractions for corporate functions, private events and charity fundraisers nationwide for 25 years.
Our roster is deep with regional and national entertainers, specialty acts, lookalikes and speakers. More important than the years of experience we have is that we have always maintained a reputation for integrity and reliability. We are committed to supplying good quality entertainment at reasonable costs and ensuring that the client is kept informed of all progress.
What challenges have you faced in running your business?
Booking agents and talent buyers have often been viewed as unscrupulous, somewhat mysterious, and unnecessary. I believe that over the years, our repeat clients have come to realize that we are an asset to their business and that we have earned a balance of loyal reciprocal service with fair commission points.
Tell us about the most interesting event you’ve worked on.
I was commissioned to provide entertainment for a very high-end real estate developer who had rented a large Windstar sailing ship. We sailed from Turkey, visited the Greek Islands and went on unusual daytrips to wondrous locations for 10 days. The client had very deep pockets with which to honor their guests and as a result, there were various and expensive performers that we provided throughout the trip. Those were definitely the most remarkable series of events that I have ever been involved with.
How do you give back to your community?
I give back to the entertainment world and the community as a founding board member and the exclusive talent booking agent for the Texas Music Project. The Texas Music Project is a nonprofit working to help strengthen and restore music education to Texas schools.
How do you market your business?
Primarily with Internet and social media. I do place ads from time to time in certain markets. With client referrals from Gaylord Resorts, Pepsi and many others, we have established that we are credible.
What advice would you offer to your fellow NASE Members?
When you are trying to grow your business, it is more important to reach the ones who count than it is to count the ones you reach.
Get Publicity For Your Business!
Read this article in PDF form here.