My Startup World speaks to Jeff Maximum, the CEO of One Vision Records about his entrepreneurial journey thus far.
Can you tell something about yourself? Your school life, your college life, your interests, your family?
My name is Jeff Maximum and I am an entrepreneur and an international singer and song writer. I was born and raised in Congo (Africa) in a small family of four sisters and I. In 2002, I moved to Chicago (USA) to finish my education. I have a Master’s degree in Business Management from Illinois State University.
How did you arrive on the idea behind One Vision Records?
I have been so passionate about music and entertainment business since a tender age. This have me a drive towards building a music empire under my own label. This has been my dream and I have been focused on turning this dream into reality.
How and when was the company started?
Through the years before One Vision Record Company, I was working with a few recording companies around the world. The latest being Music Plus, which did not go so well in relation to the vision I had.
One Vision Records was a result of my partner and I having the same goal and same vision, and hence, the name. The company was setup in Los Angeles (USA) in 2009, and we have entered the UAE market as recent as three months ago.
Give us details on how you collected the funds for the company, the people you contacted and so on.
I made my fortunes and financial strength through my concerts. This has helped me in becoming an independent entrepreneur. I started my own business without any assistance.
Tell us about how you went about registering the company, the initial number of employees, the managing partners of the company and so on.
It took us a month and a half for the process of registering and setting up the company to complete. It was a bit tedious at start. But with the help of one of the business set-up companies in Dubai, the process was smooth. I started the company with 25 employees and 2 managing partners, including me.
How do you think will services from One Vision Records change the way people look at music related services?
One Vision Records is a multimedia company that offers variety of services. It is not only focused on music business, but the entire Audio and Visual and event management part of it. We want to make sure that we reach those recording artists and companies who are looking for a company to take care of their audio and visual needs.
What is the USP of One Vision Records’ services and products?
Our experience spans around the world from the US to Middle East. Our studios have the state of the art equipment with well trained staff that are highly creative and trained to meet the desirable quality of each product to an international standard.
What is the primary source of revenue for One Vision Records?
In a very short period of time that One Vision Records has been operating in Dubai, we have already partnered with many companies and serve many organizations with our high quality services. One Vision Records also has night events around the world called AFROBEAT, which has been highly successful in the US and Singapore, and we will soon be launching that event here in Dubai.
How do you market your services?
We use a lot of social media to promote our products and services.
Apart from being involved in One Vision Records, are you also involved in other business / initiatives / companies / startups?
I do involve myself in lots of charities and humanitarian missions. We have started the Jeff Maximum Foundation, which helps orphans in their education, by offering scholarships in Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda. As soon as we get more support financially, we will will be expanding into other countries.
What are your future plans for One Vision Records?
As a record label, video production and event management company, we have a need to expand through Middle East and Africa markets. I want to build One Vision Records into a truly international multimedia company.
What is your advice to other entrepreneurs in the process of setting up shop in the Middle East?
Do your research before you start anything and be ready to take a calculated risk. You need to believe that nothing is impossible. If others can do it, so can you. Before you start off with your startup, always have an idea of what you want to do. Then plan it and set targets to achieve. Have courage and perseverance to continue doing what you want to do and success will follow.
