Meet Justin Johnson | Founder & Creative Director

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

Hi Justin, how do you think about risk?
I believe in the power of taking risks. How else can you truly test your limits? It’s intimidating to pursue something big you’ve been eyeing for a while, but it’s about seizing that opportunity. If it’s something you’re passionate about, it’s worth taking that leap. Yes, there’ll be obstacles, but each one teaches you valuable lessons. Seeing your dreams come to life—it’s incredibly rewarding.

Taking risks has been a critical part of my journey—from my football days to starting Dream Is Grind Productions. Football taught me about pushing boundaries and seizing opportunities. Leading Dream Is Grind, I’ve learned to keep moving forward despite challenges. While I’m not yet where I aim to be, I believe in giving myself the chance to achieve them. It’s about facing challenges head-on and striving for growth, qualities that shape both my career and my personal journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Balancing Work and Passion:

Juggling my full-time role as a SaaS consultant in edtech with my passion for Dream Is Grind Productions has been an exciting journey, filled with challenges that fuel our determination. Balancing work in these fields alongside family responsibilities has been tough but incredibly rewarding as a family man.

One of our toughest decisions was to temporarily scale back our event operations amidst external uncertainties. It was a difficult but necessary pause to recalibrate and plan strategically. Despite setbacks, we’re gearing up for an exciting comeback with fresh event concepts and our new “Dream Line” apparel, which embodies a positive outlook and the journey to becoming the best version of oneself. Collaborating with Keith Komedy, we’re preparing to launch entertainment activations aimed at spreading positivity and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. At the core of our consulting services are tailored solutions that guarantee success for every event, including DJ parties, comedy shows, and concerts.

Our journey reflects perseverance, adaptability, and the power of believing in oneself, and that’s what truly excites us. We try our best to foster a culture that celebrates creativity and resilience, bridging gaps in Denver’s artist community and beyond. Dream Is Grind isn’t just about events—it’s a movement to inspire and empower individuals to shine their brightest.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a Colorado native, I’ve seen how visitors’ ideas about Denver change when they visit. Many come expecting an old Wild West scene with cowboys and horses. But our lively city and stunning landscapes quickly change their minds. They often say, “I never imagined Denver like this,” or “It’s beautiful—I see why people come here.”

When my friends come to town, I make sure they get a full day of good vibes. We’d kick off the day with breakfast burritos smothered in green chili from local favorites like Little Anita’s or Las Delicias—a true Mile High City welcome. Next…Most of my good friends are athletes, so we usually hit Wash Park or VASA Fitness for a round of hoops to see if we still got it. haha

For lunch, we would go to Five Points and have some amazing soul food at Welton Street Cafe. After eating, we’d walk through RiNo, check out some spots, grab some drinks, look at the cool murals, and just vibe out.

You can’t skip a trip to Red Rocks—it’s a must. The scenery alone is worth it, and catching a concert there is something special. If we’ve got it in our plans, we might head up to Boulder and catch a CU Buffs game to see what all the hype is about.

If the timing lined up and we had an event while they were here, as night falls, I’d get them up on stage at one of our Dream Is Grind Productions events. It’s where the energy is buzzin, and the vibes are poppin!

Denver isn’t just a small cow town—it’s a growing, it’s unique, and I love showing it off!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To everyone chasing their dreams: life’s challenges are inevitable, but pursuing what excites you and aiming high is always worth it. Shout out to Keith Komedy, my business partner and a real talent in Denver’s comedy scene. Keep an eye out for him and his hilarious alter ego, Keith Huckleberry, the weatherman who’s known for saying the most outrageous things! And to my family: believe in yourselves, show love, be kind, and keep pushing to be your best.

Website: https://dreamisgrind.co

Instagram: @dreamisgrindproductions & @dreamisgrindpresents

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamisgrindproductions/

Image Credits
Kai Baker – The Bakers Media
Eliza Kuehner – EK Photography
Riley Karlstrand- Riley K Photo