Meet Jon Gay | Owner and Podcast Creator, JAG in Detroit Podcasts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jon Gay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had worked in the radio industry for 15 years, and it was in decline, thanks to corporate consolidation. I was laid off for a third time, a week after my wedding. (I later found out I would have been laid off a week PRIOR to my wedding but my boss intervened). My new wife said, “I know you love radio, but there’s always someone waiting in line behind you to do the same job for 10 grand less and more BS.”

She was right. This was late 2018, and podcasting was taking off. I was learning more about it, and with my wife’s help, I founded JAG in Detroit LLC. I never thought I’d own my own business. But with her support to do the books, and my ability to create compelling audio, we gave it a try. Almost 5 years later, we are still growing!

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve been told that when growing a business, there’s the “Ben and Jerry’s” model and the Walmart/Amazon/UPS model. With the ice cream example. it’s to focus on doing one thing very well, then slowly grow. The latter is more about economy of scale.

I work in the B to B space and I believe that relationships are the key to growing your business. Treat your co-workers and clients like family. Send them gifts at the holidays. Don’t be afraid to go above and beyond. Many of my clients have become friends. Because of this, referrals are key to my business, and when budget cuts need to happen, it’s harder to get rid of a service you’ve invested in a relationship in. That’s been the key to growing my business.

When I started the business, I was supplementing income with part-time gig work – DJ’ing weddings, hosting bar trivia, etc. As my business has grown, I’ve been able to let go of that work and invest more in the business.

The podcast space is growing exponentially. There are thousands of people who can edit your podcast. But my unique selling proposition is my background in radio. For two decades, I’ve been learning how to make folks sound like pros – both in terms of content and audio quality. Whether I’m editing a file you’ve already recorded, or I’m co-hosting your show with you, it will sound like a professional radio broadcast.

The two biggest lessons I’ve learned is that business is all about relationships and mutual respect, and always be learning.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in the suburbs of Detroit, which prior to COVID, was America’s Great Comeback City. I’m happy to see that returning. If it’s the summer, I’d take them to a Detroit Tigers game. I truly believe Comerica Park is a great place to see a game. Also, Belle Isle is nestled between the city and Canada, providing great views of both.

Additionally, we’d visit the Henry Ford Museum in nearby Dearborn, to visit Greenfield Village, the Rouge Factory, and the museum. Where else can you see American history from a 90’s teenager’s room to the chair that Lincoln was shot in?

For food – Bucharest Grille for Schwarma. Michigan has an incredibly diverse population, which makes for great eats!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All credit goes to my wife. I never thought I’d own my own company. I have a communications degree and no business background. But she supported me (including when I lost my job a week into our marriage). She believed in my having the skills to provide a valuable service to people – A to Z production of podcasts. And with an MBA and a job in corporate finance, she helps me run the books of the business.

Website: https://jagindetroit.com/

Instagram: @JAGinDetroit

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongay18/

Twitter: @JAGinDetroit

Facebook: @JAGinDetroit