From Stashing Cash to Rocking the Hustle: A Wild Ride with Jordan Gilliam on Artistic Finance
Buckle up, folks! In a recent episode of the Artistic Finance podcast, host Ethan Steimel and his dynamic co-host Ellen Lampert-Gréaux from LDI/Live Design tag-teamed an energetic chat with Jordan Gilliam. Who is Jordan, you ask? Well, besides being a Pittsburgh-based audio engineer, DJ, and director of education at Tech25, he’s also a newly discovered financial sensei, dropping knowledge bombs for new or seasoned live events workers.
Jordan’s Financial Wisdom (Blunt and Real)
Start Saving Yesterday:
Jordan kicked things off by saying you should’ve started saving for retirement back when you were, I don’t know, 12? Okay, not that young, but the intent was clear—if you’re 19 and not thinking about compound interest, you’re behind, buddy. Trust him. Affluent people get on the money train early, and that train is headed straight for “Comfortable Retirement” station. Choo choo! Production crew can start saving early and that starts with you. Make a choice to pay yourself first, with every paycheck.
529 College Savings Plans:
Look, it sounds boring, but stick with us. Jordan and Ethan broke down how to use these plans like a white collar rich person, even if you don’t have kids. We’re talking tax-free savings, folks! Even if you’ve only got a couple of pennies to rub together, throw ’em in a 529 plan and watch the magic happen. And with new rules letting you roll unused funds into a Roth IRA, it’s practically like Uncle Sam wants you to get rich.
Don’t Let Tunnel Vision Make You Dull
Jordan also schooled us on not being a one-trick pony. Sure, you might be a lighting designer extraordinaire, but if you’re not learning new skills, you’re setting yourself up for some seriously boring gigs. In live events, the more you can do, the better the paycheck, and that’s a fact. Try this mantra: “Stop living in the tunnel, explore the whole backstage!”
Building the Future of Live Events (One Camp at a Time)
As Director of Education at Tech25, Jordan isn’t just talking the talk—he’s walking the walk, and dragging a bunch of eager learners along with him. His mission: get more people into live events, especially those from backgrounds that the industry has conveniently ignored. From workforce development programs to teen camps, Jordan’s out here giving back like Oprah handing out free cars. “You get a career! You get a career! YOU get a career!”
Industry Secrets, Straight from Pittsburgh’s Ace Sound Guy
Want to know how much rental houses are charging you for gear? Spoiler alert: it’s 10% of the purchase price. That’s right, Jordan spilled the tea on the often ambiguous world of production costs. Aside from the gear costs, Tech25 negotiates with companies to ensure projects serving the community can happen with top of the line production support. He’s worked with Kendrick Lamar, The Chicks, and even Sir Paul McCartney, so when Jordan speaks, we listen—especially when it’s about making sure your budget doesn’t go poof!
The Episode You Didn’t Know You Needed
This rapid-fire, no-holds-barred episode was like a roller coaster of wisdom, all leading up to the LDI conference. Jordan’s enthusiasm is contagious (seriously, we needed a nap after this), and his love for educating the next generation is downright inspiring. If you want to survive in the live events industry, Jordan says you need more than just tech skills—you need to know how to manage your cash, build a community, and stay flexible in this chaotic, yet wonderful, world.
So, what are you waiting for? Go listen to the episode, and if you’re still craving more, catch the Artistic Finance live recording at LDI on December 8th in Vegas. What happens in Vegas...well, sometimes it ends up in your 529 college savings plan.
For all the juicy details, head over to artisticfinance.com/165bonus. Trust us—you’ll be glad you did.