Chris Abell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Chris, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, I’ve been finding a lot of joy in spending quality time with my family and close friends. After years of building my business and hustling through weekends, I’ve made it a priority to be more present in those everyday moments—whether that’s grilling out on a Sunday, catching a Cardinals game, or just unwinding with some good music at home. I also love exploring new places around St. Louis—there’s always a new restaurant, park, or event to check out. Those small breaks and genuine connections have really helped me recharge and stay inspired, both personally and professionally.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Chris Abell, and I’m the owner and lead DJ at Abell DJ Company based here in St. Louis. I started this company back in 2003—honestly, just a teenager in my parents’ garage with a record player and a big dream. Fast forward to today, and Abell DJ Company has grown into a multi-award-winning team known for delivering modern, personalized entertainment for weddings, private parties, and corporate events all across the St. Louis area.
What sets us apart is our focus on authenticity and creating experiences that truly reflect each client. We don’t do cookie-cutter playlists or cheesy games. Instead, we take the time to get to know our couples and clients, build custom playlists, and bring a fresh, energetic vibe to every event. Our team is made up of passionate DJs and event pros who genuinely care about making every celebration unforgettable.
Right now, we’re continuing to expand our services—things like photo booths, uplighting, and unique enhancements that help elevate any event. But at the heart of it, our mission is the same: to help people celebrate life’s biggest moments with music, energy, and a personal touch. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, and I’m always excited for what’s next.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think what breaks the bonds between people most often is a lack of honest communication and understanding. When people stop listening to each other, make assumptions, or let small misunderstandings grow into bigger issues, it’s easy for those connections to fade. Life gets busy, priorities shift, and sometimes we just don’t make enough time for the people who matter most.
What restores those bonds, in my experience, is intentional effort—showing up, listening, and being willing to have real conversations, even when they’re uncomfortable. Small gestures of kindness, a simple check-in, or just making time for each other can go a long way. At the end of the day, it’s about being present and reminding each other that those relationships are worth investing in. That’s true in both personal life and business—whether I’m working with a client or spending time with family, it always comes back to genuine connection and respect.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has a way of teaching lessons that success just can’t. When things are going well, it’s easy to coast and take things for granted. But it’s in those tough moments—setbacks, failures, or just the grind of building something from nothing—that you really learn what you’re made of. For me, the early days of starting Abell DJ Company were full of challenges, from long nights and financial stress to the uncertainty of whether it would all work out.
Those struggles taught me resilience, humility, and the importance of perseverance. I learned how to adapt, how to keep moving forward even when things felt impossible, and how to appreciate every win—no matter how small. Suffering also gave me empathy; it made me more understanding of what others go through, whether that’s a client dealing with wedding stress or a team member facing a tough time. Success feels great, but it’s the hard times that build your character and keep you grounded.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
For me, the difference between a fad and a real foundational shift comes down to longevity and impact. Fads tend to be flashy, short-lived, and driven by hype—they come and go quickly, and if you chase every one, you risk losing your core identity. Foundational shifts, on the other hand, are driven by genuine changes in people’s needs, values, or technology. They stick around because they actually improve the experience or solve a real problem.
In the DJ and event industry, I see a lot of trends—some are fun, but not all are worth investing in. I pay attention to feedback from clients, watch how other successful companies adapt, and ask myself if a new idea truly adds value for our clients or just adds noise. If something consistently makes events better, easier, or more personal, it’s probably a shift worth embracing. But if it’s just about chasing the next big thing, I’m careful not to lose sight of what really matters to our clients and our brand.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as someone who genuinely cared about others and always put in the work to make a positive impact. Whether it’s through my business or in my personal life, I want the story to be about someone who showed up, delivered on his promises, and made people feel valued—whether that was on their wedding day or just in a casual conversation.
I’d love for people to say that I brought energy, passion, and integrity to everything I did, and that I wasn’t afraid to be real with people. At the end of the day, I hope the story is about more than just being a good DJ or business owner—I want it to be about being a good person, a loyal friend, and someone who helped create great memories for others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://AbellDJcompany.com
- Instagram: abelldjcompany
- Twitter: abelldjcompany
- Facebook: abelldjcompany
- Yelp: abelldjcompany
- Youtube: abelldjcompany
