Today we’d like to introduce you to Quinn.
Hi Quinn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My first glimpse into the DJ world came from my Uncle George, who used to DJ family events and was an on-air personality at 90.1 KKFI. He was also a Vietnam veteran and hosted a “Veteran Rock” show, which left a big impression on me. Watching him sparked my interest, and after serving in the Army, I headed to Rockhurst University in the late ’90s. There, I joined a fraternity and quickly became the DJ for our events, working with nothing more than two CD players and a mixer. Around that same time, I landed a weekend overnight spot at 102.1 The Zone. It was a paying job that gave me some credibility on campus, even if it mostly meant loading CDs and commercials during the quiet hours.
In the early 2000s, I shifted gears and went to work for Sprint. During that time, a friend introduced me to hosting karaoke at local bars, and that opened the door to years of late nights and packed crowds. For several years I ran karaoke shows all over Kansas City before moving into only mixing music with turntables, CDs, and eventually software like Serato and Virtual DJ with controllers, . Weddings and private events started coming my way, and before long I realized this was more than just a side hustle. When the company I worked for pivoted away from entertainment, I branched out on my own—and after a few years of building independently, I officially launched Pure Sound Entertainment (www.puresoundkc.com) in 2017.
Along the way, I met my wife, Jennifer, at one of those bars. Today, we’re raising three amazing kids: an 18-year-old off at college, a freshman in high school, and a fifth grader. In 2019, I stepped away from the bar scene completely and focused solely on weddings and private events. More recently, I’ve expanded into music bingo for fundraisers and community events, while also donating my services to my kids’ schools for auctions, dances, and special events.
Over two decades, I’ve worked thousands of gigs, including weddings, corporate events, pool parties, house parties, parking lots, retail events, and more bars than I can count. I love the variety of Kansas City’s venues, from chic urban spaces to rustic barns on the outskirts of town. Every event is unique, and being part of people’s biggest celebrations never gets old. I often joke that if I could DJ the two most important days of people’s lives, I’d be set forever. I haven’t been asked into a delivery room yet, but wouldn’t that be a sight!
Outside of DJ’ing, I also wear another hat. After being laid off during COVID, I launched Goosehead Insurance – The Knabe Agency (www.theknabeagency.com) in 2022. Starting a new business while raising a family and expanding my DJ company has been one of the toughest challenges of my adult life, but also one of the most rewarding. Both careers have given me the chance to connect with people, serve my community, and build something lasting for my family.
Whether I’m behind the decks helping people celebrate or at my desk helping them protect what matters most, my passion is the same: people first, always.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been a few struggles throughout the years, but the hardest challenges have come more recently, mostly from COVID until now. That year of COVID I lost my job and there were no weddings. All income stopped, and my wife had to get back out into the work force after being a stay at home mom for over a decade. I was able to get a great job with Samsung that helped us fund the launch the insurance agency and was the main source of income for almost two years.
Once weddings started getting scheduled again and venues were opening, I had to really work to promote the business to start getting gigs again. Over the last few years the business finally went digital with the website (www.puresoundkc.com) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/puresoundquinn/).
Other than Jennifer going back to work, Pure Sound Entertainment has been the saving grace for my family to financially stay above water since the launch of our business Goosehead Insurance – The Knabe Agency.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in creating memorable experiences through music and entertainment. Over the years, I’ve developed a style that blends genres, like rap and country, into mashups that keep events lively and unexpected. Turntablists like DJ AM and DJP from Springfield, MO, were big influences early in my career, and I bring lessons from my bar and karaoke days into every wedding and event. I don’t do a lot of heavy mixing, but I make sure there’s enough creativity in my sets to keep the energy high all night.
I also love engaging directly with the audience. From games during dinner to sing-alongs at the reception, I focus on keeping guests involved and having fun. What sets me apart is my combination of technical skill, creativity, and people-centered approach. I don’t just play music, I think that I curate experiences that make each event unique and unforgettable, which is why 100% of my business comes from referrals.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My wife and kids make me happy. Enough said!
It is only with their support, and God’s will, that has brought success to the business. I genuinely enjoy connecting with people, making them smile, and helping create memorable moments. Whether it’s behind the DJ booth or in everyday life, seeing others happy is what truly brings me joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://puresoundkc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puresoundquinn/
