From Teen DJ to Millionaire: How a High School Side Hustle Scaled to $4M+ in Sales

The Rise of Slacker Media Group

Ross Friedman, a 26-year-old entrepreneur from Boston, Massachusetts, turned his high school side hustle into a thriving business, Slacker Media Group, which has now surpassed $4 million in sales. Starting as a teen DJ, Friedman's journey is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and strategic growth.

The Early Days: From Teen Nights to Profitable Ventures

Friedman began his business at 16, organizing "Teen Nights" in Boston after noticing a gap in the market. With a $3,000 investment from his DJ earnings, he hosted his first event at the Middle East Downstairs, attracting 400 attendees and turning a $3,000 profit. This early success validated his business model and set the stage for future growth.

Key Lessons and Growth Strategies

• Learning to Delegate: Friedman admits that hiring earlier could have accelerated growth. He emphasizes the importance of building a team to scale operations.
• Pivoting During Crisis: The pandemic shutdown forced Friedman to shift focus to social media and brand-building, leading to the creation of the Slacker University network. This pivot paid off, enabling a sold-out national tour post-pandemic.
• Consistent Revenue Challenges: The live events industry is volatile, but post-pandemic, Friedman saw a surge, earning $100,000 in just 2.5 months in 2021.

Current Success and Future Goals

Today, Slacker Media Group is on track to generate $2.5 million in revenue this year, with 150+ events and 250,000+ attendees lifetime. Friedman’s story highlights the importance of adaptability, resilience, and strategic hiring in scaling a side hustle into a full-time business.

Image Credit: Courtesy of Slacker Media Group