After winning first place in the Acton Entrepreneurial Hero competition last year, UAB | AMA wanted to exceed again to the top of the ranks. We decided to interview Alan Hunter, one of the original MTV DJs and one of the founders of Workplay. Alan provided us with some tremendous insight in his unique story. Below is a video UAB | AMA produced as well as some of the answers we submitted to the competition.
The interview was conducted on November 12 and was the combined work of Morgan Stone, James Oliveira and Michael Hyatt. Dr. Skinner provided us with tremendous guidance and support.
WorkPlay is considered one of the top premiere entertainment venues in the Southeast. WorkPlay is unique in Birmingham for combining concert hall acoustics, with extraordinary lighting, and fresh talented musicians to present new and exciting shows. WorkPlay offers a loft-like style with two levels that can seat 250 people comfortably and 400 people standing. The upper level and the perimeter of the ground level consist of tabletop seating. The middle of the bottom floor is for standing crowd only. This arrangement creates the perfect setting for the concert crowd. WorkPlay has showcased many well-known artists such as Gavin Degraw, Needtobreathe, Maroon 5, Hanson, and Clint Black.
WorkPlay offers more than just great music, it also has a fully stocked, cutting-edge bar. WorkPlay features a creative office village for small entertainment businesses that includes two recording studios and another one of Alan Hunter’s business ventures, Hunter Films.
Alan Hunter, along with his three brothers, opened WorkPlay in the fall of 2001.
The idea for WorkPlay came from the brother’s personal interests. They decided to combine their love for music, movies, and the atmosphere of a fun night spot. The brothers wanted the name to display the idea of “work plus play”. At this point the name and idea for WorkPlay was born. Some names that were not used were the Trout Farm, the Really Creative Factory, and Entertainment Is Us.
WorkPlay is responsible for employing around 24 people. WorkPlay’s mission is not only to have some of the best entertainment in the city but also to be a launching pad for creative endeavors. One of WorkPlay’s main operations “Make a film – or watch a film. Record your music live – or listen to someone else’s live music. Work here and relax – or relax here after work.”
One of the biggest challenges in creating WorkPlay was the initial decision to open. After debating the idea Alan, along with his three brothers, eventually decided to take the chance. Although WorkPlay was completed around the time of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that froze the economy, it eventually caught steam and has grown into a hotbed of great entertainment.
While the economy was on everyone’s mind, Alan Hunter also had his other business to consider. At the time WorkPlay was opening, Hunter Films was also beginning to take shape in his business life. Seeing potential in both endeavors, Alan integrated both businesses using WorkPlay as a home for Hunter Films. In the business world it is rare to find an individual who can continue on more than one business journey. Hunter used his ingenuity to combine these dreams into one, allowing him to follow both of his aspirations.
Alan Hunter and his brothers have successfully marketed their business, WorkPlay.
Alan states that the most important form of marketing is being you. By having integrity and representing what you have honestly, people will remember you and what you have to offer. Alan understood this was not the fastest or the most exact marketing technique but he knew if he continued in the way he started people would eventually flock to WorkPlay and all it had to offer. He believed the key to marketing and business is understanding it takes time and effort to build a reputation for the product and yourself. There are no quick marketing schemes that will hold over time, the long hours and hard work put into a product will show in the final outcome.
Alan Hunter is a hero for many reasons. Most people would consider him a hero for his courage displayed in taking huge risks when opening WorkPlay, especially in the unsure economy following 9/11. Music fans also appreciate him for his role as the first VJ on MTV. However, the biggest reason Alan can be considered a hero is for his eagerness to give back to the community. He does not give to meet a quota or for the press but he gives back enthusiastically to help others. WorkPlay opens their doors to non-profit organizations that use the venue’s dynamic setting for civic meetings or non-profit fund raising dinners. WorkPlay also hosts events such as the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, an event which Alan co-founded. Alan uses his entrepreneurial spirit to support civic activism though launching Catalyst4Birmingham, an organization of progressive minds striving to make Birmingham a better place.
I learned a lot during the course of this interview, many new ideas about business but mostly about life. One of the most interesting things he spoke on was to never be satisfied. He said even when things are going well and you have a great job, do not be satisfied with just that. Always watch for new opportunities and capitalize on them when they are presented. No matter how good a job is, do not simply accept that job and that pay as the best it can be. However, he also talked about the struggle that it is to balance progressing in your career and enjoying your career. While being a forward-looking opportunist is important, you can ruin your life if you never live in the present.
Leave a Reply