Billy Dec

Billy Dec

How did you start Rockit Ranch? 
Brad Young & I were looking to do more than just own nightclubs so in 2002 we left our old nightclub partnership & started Rockit Ranch Productions to be an “Entertainment Development Company” allowing us to create whatever we wanted… Restaurants, Events, Consulting Services, Movies, Fundraisers,.. Whatever!

What are two things you’d like Chicagoans to know about yourself?
Around 17 my parents lost everything and I had to leave home to live on my own with no money… And just hustled to turn my life around… And if I can do it, anyone can.  I’m a regular guy just trying to make people happy.  

You have done a great job building your own “Billy Dec” brand, is this intentional?
After I lost my home and was out on my own, it was all I had.  Time, a handshake & a voice.  I bounced from opportunity to opportunity working very hard to get people to know, like & trust me, just so I could have another opportunity to again be of some value.  When you have nothing, but a life that bounces you around whatever job or opportunity it is you are chasing, the only thing that stays the same is your name.  So I kept it clean, and out there, and continue to, just to make sure there will always be an opportunity to provide value.  Whatever part of that people want to call intentional is up to them.

What are two things you want Chicagoans to know about Rockit Ranch Productions?
We are 500+ Chicagoans hustling around a deep belief that Chicagoans are the best, we love to entertain, feed and comfort them, and we work stupid amounts of hours at the most intense levels to make sure we make them proud, out of pure love.  That and we want to do more.

What’s next for Billy Dec?
I’m enjoying acting & improv lessons to do a better job communicating and entertaining chicago.. perhaps on radio or tv again, one day soon?  My reel and all is on http://bit.ly/eh8oxC in case you care..

What are you doing to help the Chicago Community?
My latest and most exciting event revolves around my passion for feeding people, and social media!  In this case, it is to help the poor and hungry being assisted by the Chicago Food Depository who I respect very much.  The party will have a band, dj, drinks, food… And the concept will revolve our 2 yr Social Media Anniversary over here at Rockit Ranch & www.aChicagoThing.com … party is this Thursday 2/3 from 7-9p at Rockit on Hubbard.  The invite http://bit.ly/eYWxzp is hilarious & engaging & a must see! It gets you to all the info & ticket, which all benefits The Chicago Food Depository- be there! I’d love to meet you in person…