My DJ Story - Part 2

Foreword

My name is Michel Lalonde. I am the owner and operator of Sound.wav Rentals, a Sudbury Ontario based business I founded in 2014. I am a father, a husband, a musician, a "sound man", a business man, a DJ and an Emcee. For 10 years, I've provided DJ & Emcee Service and sound & lighting services in and around the City of Greater Sudbury and across Ontario.

In February 2022, I made the decision to undertake a new project - a blog for my website. Having never written a blog before, I found myself stuck as to what I should write and share and figured it may be best to start with my journey into this business. You can read that blog entry at https://www.soundwavrentals.com/post/my-dj-story.

3 years later, I am finally continuing my story with it's 5th chapter.

I want to thank each and every person who has been a part of my story, most importantly my wife Francine, daughter Sophie & son Leo, my parents Luc & Jo-Anne Lalonde, and my best friends Kristina, Pat, Shauna & Christian.

Thank you for taking the time to indulge me on this venture,

Michel Lalonde

Owner/Operator

Sound.wav Rentals

Chapter 5 - Reflections and Growth - A Milestone at 35

As I sit down to write this chapter, I’m reflecting on a particularly meaningful day—my 35th birthday. It’s a moment that naturally invites introspection, and as I approach 11 years in ownership of Sound.wav Rentals, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. So much has changed since I first started this business, and the journey thus far has shaped me in ways I never imagined.

When I first founded Sound.wav Rentals in 2014, it was a leap of faith, driven by a love for music, technology, and the desire to create memorable experiences for others. Since then, this business has become so much more than a career for me—it’s been a reflection of my personal growth, my commitment to my craft, and my ability to adapt and overcome challenges.

Awards and Recognition: A Testament to Hard Work

Over the years, my dedication has been recognized in the form of multiple awards and nominations, and I couldn’t be prouder of the progress Sound.wav Rentals has made. In 2020, I earned the distinction of being Sudbury Community Votes Platinum Rated in the DJ category, a title I’ve managed to hold consistently since. This was soon followed by being named a Top 3 DJ in Sudbury by ThreeBestRated from 2019 onwards, and I’m thrilled to say that I was also a finalist in the Small Enterprise Category at the 2023 Sudbury Chamber of Commerce Bell Excellence Awards. Not to mention, being named a Canadian Choice Award winner for DJ services in Greater Sudbury was a huge milestone. These accolades are more than just awards—they represent the hard work, trust, and respect I’ve earned in this community.

Investing in the Business: Always Elevating

I’ve always believed in continually pushing the envelope to offer the best possible service, and that’s why I’ve made substantial investments in my business over the years. I’ve expanded my equipment lineup with multiple high-quality sound systems, including the Electro-Voice ELX-200 series, known for its clear, dynamic sound. My American DJ Starburst lighting and four Pocket Pro moving fixtures have taken my dance floor lighting to the next level, creating immersive experiences for guests. Adding additional Rockville Rockwedge uplighting has also allowed me to set the perfect atmosphere for every event, from weddings to corporate gatherings.

My American DJ Pro Event Table and Novopro PS1XL totems not only improve the functionality of my setup but also enhance its visual appeal. On top of all this, I expanded my offerings to include karaoke, adding an extra layer of entertainment that has brought a whole new dimension to my services. These investments were made with one goal in mind: to ensure that every event I’m a part of is unforgettable.

I also realized that to grow my business, I needed to ensure my operations were efficient. I created a dedicated office space to handle the growing administrative side of the business, and I upgraded my vehicle to a reliable 2012 Ford F150 XLT, ensuring I could transport my equipment safely and reach clients across Northern Ontario with ease.

The Leap to Full-Time: A Transformational Move

The turning point came in June 2023, when I made the daunting decision to leave my secure, full-time job with the City of Greater Sudbury. It was a job that provided financial stability, benefits, and a pension—but it also left me with little time to fully invest in my passion. Leaving that safety net was a major leap, but it was the right one.

Focusing entirely on Sound.wav Rentals allowed me to put all my energy into growing my brand, improving services, and taking on new challenges. The results have been beyond my expectations.

Business Growth and Client Trust: A Thriving Brand

The growth of Sound.wav Rentals has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2022, I saw a staggering 198.6% increase compared to the previous year (of course, it was bouncing back from a terrible 2021/2020 due to COVID). 2023 saw a 40% increase in revenue compared to 2022, and 2024 saw a 65% increase over 2023.

This growth proves that making Sound.wav Rentals my full-time focus was a transformational decision, and the momentum continues to build. This success is reflected in the growth of my online presence. My Facebook page now boasts over 2,000 followers—the largest following for any DJ in the Greater Sudbury area. My website traffic has increased exponentially, from 1,504 site sessions in 2021 to 6,947 in 2023, and over 10,000 sessions in 2024 alone. This organic growth, achieved in a large part without paid ads, shows just how much trust clients place in Sound.wav Rentals.

Client feedback continues to be a vital part of my success, and I’ve received over 200 five-star reviews across platforms like Facebook, WeddingWire, Yellow Pages, and Google. The fact that Sound.wav Rentals consistently ranks #1 when searching for “Sudbury DJs” on Google is a testament to the hard work I’ve put into maintaining a high standard of service.

The demand for my services has surged as well. Between 2014 and 2020, I received 1-2 leads per week. Since 2022, that number has increased to 4-8 leads per week, with events booked well into 2025. It’s a bittersweet feeling to turn down approximately 75% of inquiries due to being already booked, but it’s also a sign that my services are in high demand.

Expanding Our Family and Personal Milestones

On a personal note, 2024 has been a year of expansion for our family as well. In July 2024, my wife Francine and I welcomed our son, Leo, into the world, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Watching him grow and witnessing the joy he brings to our family has been a source of immense happiness.

Additionally, in September 2023, we adopted a second cat, Peach, who has quickly become a beloved part of our family. The addition of Leo and Peach has added even more warmth to our home and serves as a reminder of the beautiful balance between personal and professional growth.

The Best Year Yet

2024 has already been a record-breaking year for Sound.wav Rentals. We’ve completed 42 weddings and over 80 events in total—the most we’ve ever done in a single year. This milestone is a reflection of not only my commitment to the business but also the trust and confidence my clients place in me. It’s been an incredible year, and it’s only just begun.

As I reflect on my journey at 35, I am filled with gratitude for everything I’ve accomplished and excitement for what’s to come. This is just the beginning, and I am committed to continuing to grow, evolve, and create unforgettable experiences for my clients.

Thank you for being a part of this story.

Michel Lalonde

Owner/Operator

Sound.wav Rentals