ERIC SAMPSON, CO-Owner & CEO

Let me start out by saying that I love DJ Firm with all my heart and soul. I truly have a passion for this company and making every event special in its own way. My name is Eric Sampson (DJ Jem),  I helped my best friend and business partner Carlington Young start his adventure called The DJ Firm back in 2014. We wanted to focus on making DJ’s from events cool again and changing the narrative of a typical wedding DJ. I was influenced by DJ culture early and my dad gave me opportunities to mix records at the early age of 8. I played my first party when I was 13 at a middle school called Heaven in Evanston, IL. 

I have a family that is nothing short of amazing and I really could not have come this far without them! My goal, along with my values is to always ensure that The DJ Firm provides the best talent and service an entertainment company has to offer. We have a great group of individuals and I can wait for you to meet them and me. Let’s connect.
Fun Fact: I love all things that have to do with space :)

CARLINGTON YOUNG, CO-OWNER

Over the last 9 years, I have enjoyed being a co-owner of The DJ Firm. It has really given me a fresh outlook on life, I was put on this earth to bring joy to others.  We have had opportunities to work with different clients from different walks of life and I love learning about other people's culture.

Over the years I have picked up a few new hobbies. In my free time I love to watch cooking shows and try new recipes with my daughter. Music has been a part of my life ever since I was a child. The genres of music I enjoy listening to are reggae, hip-hop, and early 2000 music with a splash of country music. In a unique way, nightlife exposed me to the event industry, so I wanted to bring the excitement of a nightlife DJ to different types of events. Overall, It’s really important to me that all our clients are satisfied.

Fun Fact: Not a lot of people know this about me, but I was born in Jamaica. My favorite type of food is seafood. 

SARAH REAGAN, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

After moving from St. Louis to Chicago to pursue a career in DJing, I fell upon the perfect home at The DJ Firm.

I spent years working in the service industry and was given the opportunity to try DJ and create a Ladies Night for one of the bars I worked at. I have been DJing ever since and Its only natural that I fell into the event managment role. I love details and sticking to a proccess that deliver proven results. I love love music, especially hip-hop and house. The one thing I would say about Chicago is that you could never go wrong with a rooftop.

When I am not working on events or DJing, I love to explore Chicago, taking photos on my film camera and spending time with friends and family. =

Fun Fact: I LOVE all food but my favorites are tacos and Thai food!

Ruben Andrade, DIRECTOR OF WEDDINGS

-Director of Sales and Event Advisor

Born and raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago , I always had an affinity for music from a young age. Whether I was blaring hip hop from my ford toyota, jamming out to a classic mariachi band at a quinceanera, or simply playing my guitar, trombone, or piano at home - if there was music, I was in love.

Upon graduation from high school, I spent numerous years in the service industry; finetuning and sharpening his interpersonal and customer service skills.  After nearly a decade in the service industry, I shift to catering and found his way to The DJ Firm; I loved the misson the company embodied and it truly resonated with me. 

In my spare time, you can catch Ruben baking a variety of pastries, catching up on reality TV shows and cult-classic movies, spending time with friends and family, and of course, listening to music (in particular Chicago-style house).  

Fun Fact: Ruben does not have a middle name - it is simply Ruben.

Tim Weyner, DIRECTOR OF Events

As Director of Events at The DJ Firm, Tim leads with creativity and a client-first approach, drawing on a unique background that began spinning records in Philadelphia night clubs post college. After moving to Chicago in 2016 to join The DJ Firm full time, he has leveraged years of hands-on experience as a DJ—performing at nightlife venues, high-profile events, and weddings—to expertly craft tailored entertainment solutions for every client in his role as Director. Tim’s deep understanding of what makes events memorable and his passion for bringing people together through music,  continue to drive The DJ Firm’s growth and success in Chicago. 

Fun fact: Tim went to college in Philly, where he caught Eagles fever and never looked back. Go Birds! He’s all about beach vacations and swears by a good New York style slice over Chicago style pizza. 

KALLAN MACARAig, EVENT MANAGER

I’m originally from the Bay Area but made the move to Chicago right after high school to experience living in a new city. My journey started behind the camera as Kall.Lens, where I focused on editing and photo/video production—bringing visions to life and showing different perspectives, has always been my thing!

As Event Manager, I’m excited to help bring the client’s vision to life through the incredible music and production that The DJ Firm offers, and make the planning process smooth, fun, and stress-free. Each event is unique, and I’m looking forward to being part of moments that people will remember forever. Outside of work, you’ll find me shooting and editing photos and videos, fostering kittens through PAWS Chicago, and practicing guitar.

Fun fact: I’m a huge Beatles fan and have been since I was 12 years old! 

XANDER HOVENSTINE, WAREHOUSE MANAGER

I was born and raised in the small town of Durango, Colorado. My music journey started with playing the viola when I was 11 and after that I quickly picked up guitar, bass, and any stringed instrument I could get my hands on. From the beginning I knew that music was what I wanted to do with my life in any way, shape or form and started taking whatever tech work I could find, whether in my school helping to set up concerts and plays, or working for our local music shop that would hold events. Eventually I decided to challenge myself and my skills and moved to Chicago seeing the opportunity here.Nothing has ever made me happier than helping to bring the joys of music to other people, and at the DJ Firm I’ve found my place doing that. When I’m not setting up equipment for events or repairing whatever gear needs it, you can usually hear me playing guitar or bass and in the rare times I don’t have one in my hands you can find me walking my dog, cooking for me and my partner or playing games online with friends back home.

Fun Fact: Other than music my favorite thing is Horror, and my favorite book of all time is House of Leaves!