We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff Jesmer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I come from a varied background of the military, construction, and restaurants, and find that self-employment works really well with my personality. It’s interesting because I kind of fell into self-employment. I realized I wanted something different so I started going to school, took my previous life skills to the shop, and started gigging around town. Before long, I was able to afford my own tools and I haven’t looked back since.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am actor that technicians, giving me a holistic approach to my craft. I am most proud and excited about getting to do what I do consistently.

I started in workstudy in college, working in the scene shops, then doing over-hire gigs at the Aurora Fox. I ended up doing a “rescue gig” for August Osage County that afforded me the tools I bought to go independent. Getting my own tools was definitely the biggest hurdle, but once I got over that one I was able to really commit to my art.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned are honestly the ones I’m still learning: I’m not always right, ask for help, and it’s okay to stand up for yourself; in how you get paid, in how your brand is received, in how your work is respected.

My brand is honest no’s so that you can trust my yes’s. I don’t sign up for what I can’t do and the things I’m capable of I can do on limited budgets.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m not much of an attractions guy, but I would definitely want to take them out in nature, Red Rocks, Garden of Gods, the Dunes. I’m a starving artist living on a minimal budget but this state is full of free natural beauty and that’s worth sharing….unless there’s a Colorado Avalanche Game, then we’d be going there!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Stacey D’Angelo and Greg Loftus

Stacey was my acting instructor at the Community College of Aurora and I met Greg in the scene shop there and he’s a talented designer that’s worked all over the country

Image Credits
Meghan Ralph – Soular Radiant Photography

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