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

Hi Jerry, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Being a performer was somehow always in my blood. I saw others doing it so I knew it could be done. Making it a business was something altogether different. I was able to glean ideas from others in the business so I watched, I listened, and I learned. The one thing I knew was that I was “unemployable” as in, letting someone else call the shots could only ever be a temporary thing. My family had always been self-employed/entrepreneurial, so the rebellion part came naturally. I wanted to do what I wanted to do and that was that.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Man did I make a lot of mistakes. It’s definitely been a “school of hard knocks.” When I was trying to gain success there were lots of others making lots of mistakes as well, so it was difficult to know which direction was the right one. Add to this the dreams of a young man regarding fame and fortune and again, not knowing the right path to take, and you get a recipe for frustration.

At least there were a few paths I knew not to take after making many mistakes in my youth. Here are three:

One, very specifically was drug use. I had watched drugs destroy one of the most talented people I’ve ever known. Luckily I was smart enough to draw a line in the sand regarding it. I was further reinforced after meeting my wife of 36 years who would, in no way, accept drugs as a part of my life. If I had chosen the drugs path I’m certain I would have never achieved the level of success I’ve had thus far.

With that one under my belt I could have most of the confidence I needed to get to the next step. This was a big one and it’s very simple. SHOW UP! This means if you say you’re going to do something, you do it come hell or high water! I’m really not sure where this one comes from. I say it’s the next step but it’s really been a part of who I am from the very beginning. I know that if it’s not part and parcel of who you are, you won’t get very far.

The third one took quite a while to develop but when it appeared success was just around the corner. It was the realization that “IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU!” This led to a method and a strategy of working towards success. There’s nothing wrong with art being a business. It’s only different in that you’re creating a product that has the purpose of making an emotional impact and affecting people’s lives. That’s a beautiful thing when it has a good intention behind it and it’s much easier when you get out of your own way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A lot of my favorite spots in the city would be outside of the city. Colorado is an outdoors state. I would want them to see some of the great mountain hikes and bike rides, There are a few spots that are a must such as Red Rocks, and a few of the Tap Houses and Breweries are fantastic as well. I wish downtown could go back in time to 10 years ago when it was a ton of fun. Unfortunately, the current situation has turned Lodo and other spots into “no go zones” due to the poor management of social situations by state and local governments. We would probably hang out at our own place, since that’s what we designed it for and then take day trips out to see local attractions. Usually this also includes some of our own performances, in which case I like to put my guests to work. LOL.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Other professional musicians, especially of the local, boots on the ground, paying your dues, hard working types.

Website: www.boogiemachine.com, www.ronnieraygun.com, www.jerrybergeson.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boogiemachineband/ , https://www.facebook.com/ronnieraygunband/ , https://www.facebook.com/JLTheProducer/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZFiIUgEGYwg?si=wx3KgWUgTHxDLWAp , https://youtu.be/oT6wB9-1Xww?si=TBFLKT3SrqDKvM1N

Other: websites:
boogiemachine.com
ronnieraygun.com
jerrybergeson.com

Image Credits
Hi-Def Photography & Films

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.