One of my missions as a Broadway producer is to make the world understand that Broadway is a business like any other.  It’s not a hobby.  It’s not a game.  It’s not some crazy place where wealthy people throw their money around just to attend an opening night party at Sardi’s.

Sure, parties and perks are great, but Broadway is a business like any other.  Our product just happens to be one of the greatest art forms around . . . the theater.

On the flip side, I’ve tried to introduce tried-and-true business practices into all of my shows because I believe all products are the same, no matter the industry.  And they all respond to the same marketing techniques, sales processes, etc.

That’s why I go to general marketing conferences, attend entrepreneurial masterminds, and . . . read Inc. magazine.

I’ve gotten tons of tips from Inc. mag over the years, from tools on project management to inspiration from the interviews with CEOs.

And every year when they published their “5,000 Fastest Growing Companies in America,” which previously featured companies like Microsoft, Zappos, and GoPro, I imagined, “How cool would it be if a Theater Company was on this list amongst all these tech and retail companies?  And how cool would it be if MY company was that company???”

Well . . . it happened.

I’m so honored to report that Davenport Theatrical Enterprises was just named to this year’s Inc. 5000!  And I’m so proud to represent our industry by being the first Broadway Producer ever on the list!!!

Of course, I couldn’t have grown even a smidgen without the help of my incredible staff, as well as all of the artists and audience members all over the world who have been a part of my shows.  Backstage, onstage, or in those seats.

And a special thanks to Inc. for helping me achieve my dream of putting Broadway right up there with “real” businesses.  It’s huge for me.

See, I’ve always believed the more theater there is in the world, the better off the world is.  All I’ve tried to do over the last 15 years as a Broadway Producer and Theater Maker is put more theater out there, whether through my own shows or by helping other Theater Makers with their shows.  And I’m thrilled that we’ve grown the way we have because that means the theater has grown along with us.

And now I’m thrice as committed to growing even more over the next 15 years.

Thank you, everyone!

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