Alameda Business Spotlight: A Sound Explosion Event Productions

Owner: Richard Dudzinski

When did you start ? 15 years ago.

What services do you provide? We are a full event production company. We build events from the ground up, which means we provide anything you need: tables, chairs, staging, sound, lighting, props. We have a 30,000-square-foot warehouse where we store all our equipment and props for theme parties. We started out as a DJ company, so most of that work was weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, quinceaneras, birthdays, graduations and school parties and proms. Charity auctions seem to be our niche now.

We also install sound equipment in facilities such as . The Hobnob is packed on Thursdays now when they have karaoke night. Right now, we’re doing the sound system at Bladium.

Where have you done events in Alameda? The Boys and Girls Club, Franklin School, St. Joseph’s, the Kiwanis. We did casino night with the Rat Pack at the Alameda Theatre.

How did you get into this business? All by accident! About 20 years ago, the Santa Cruz Kayak Festival needed an announcer and I announced the event. And that’s how it started.

I notice your license plate says “AHSUM DJ”—when did you put that on? That came about because people would come up at the end of an event and say, “This event was awesome. We had so much fun!” It’s happened time and time again, so we use that as our handle and on our email.

Do you have a secret for your success? Yes, I let my 4-year-old pick the songs for my playlist! Seriously, we take pride in providing quality. Because we provide so many services, you can make one call rather than 20 to plan your event.

Why did you decide to locate in Alameda? It’s where we live. And I didn’t want to travel more than I had to. Now, 90 percent of out business is within 20 minutes. I consider it a great day when I don’t get on a highway.