Hidden Gems: Meet Israel Demello of Demello Proudctions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Israel Demello.

Hi Israel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I founded Demello Productions back in 2012—believe it or not, I was in 8th grade at the time. It all started when I was asked to DJ my middle school dance. I didn’t have any equipment, so I borrowed a family friend’s speakers and used my iPod. I made $50 that night and felt like I was on top of the world.

From there, I started reaching out to local schools to DJ their dances, and things took off. Word spread quickly, and what began as a hobby grew into something much bigger. By 2019, we had handled over 500 events and secured major contracts providing DJ and corporate audio-visual services for a variety of organizations.

What began as a one-person DJ setup has evolved into Demello Productions—a full-service event production company that now caters to weddings, corporate events, festivals, school functions, and more. I never imagined, back in middle school, that 13 years later, we’d be where we are today. It’s been an incredible journey.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any startup, the road definitely hasn’t been smooth—but every challenge came with a lesson. In the early days, we struggled with everything from finding clients to learning how to build a reliable team. There were moments of doubt, long nights, and plenty of trial and error.

What made the difference was maintaining a positive attitude, staying teachable, and putting in the work—especially in marketing and relationship building. Every obstacle we faced became an opportunity to adapt and grow. Those early struggles helped shape the foundation of Demello Productions and pushed us to expand beyond just DJ services into full-scale event production. Looking back, I’m grateful for the bumps in the road—they taught us how to build something lasting.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Demello Proudctions ?
Demello Productions is a full-service event production company that started as a DJ business and has grown into a leading provider of entertainment, audiovisual solutions, and event planning services across Tennessee and beyond. What began with a pair of borrowed speakers and an iPod at a middle school dance has evolved into a trusted name in weddings, corporate events, school functions, festivals, and more.

We specialize in creating unforgettable experiences—whether it’s a high-energy DJ set, a seamless audio-visual setup for a conference, or full-scale planning for a large festival or wedding. Our services include professional DJing, photo booths, 360 video experiences, live sound and lighting, staging, and event management.

What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and passion for people. We don’t just “show up and play music”—we partner with our clients to bring their vision to life and exceed expectations. Our team brings years of experience, creativity, and energy to every project. We’re also proud to be consistently recognized with industry awards like the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award, which we’ve earned five years in a row.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the trust we’ve built. Whether it’s a couple’s big day, a school’s graduation ceremony, or a company’s national conference—we treat every event with the care and professionalism it deserves. At Demello Productions, we don’t just provide services—we create moments.

To anyone reading: If you’re planning an event and want it to be engaging, smooth, and memorable, we’d love to connect. You can learn more at https://demellopro.com.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
At Demello Productions, we believe in using the right tools and surrounding ourselves with the right people to stay sharp and deliver our best. A few key resources we rely on include:

Vibo (https://vibodj.com): This event planning app helps streamline communication with clients and allows us to customize every event experience down to the smallest detail—from music preferences to timeline planning.

Asana (https://app.asana.com): Our go-to task management platform. It keeps our team organized, efficient, and on schedule, especially during busy event seasons.

The Demello Productions Blog (https://demellopro.com/blog): We’ve created our own blog filled with tips, industry trends, behind-the-scenes content, and advice for clients planning events. It’s part of how we educate, inspire, and give back to our community.

Beyond digital tools, we gain a lot from connecting with local industry professionals and mentors. There’s so much value in learning from those who’ve walked the path before you or who bring a fresh perspective. Whether it’s a quick coffee chat or a collaborative project, those relationships have played a huge role in our growth.

At the end of the day, staying curious, staying teachable, and staying connected is what helps us continue doing our best—both in business and in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://demellopro.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demelloproductions
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demelloproductions