Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Rusnak.
Hi Ryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started as a DJ in my early teens producing beats and writing rap songs. My dad was a DJ for a radio station in Minneapolis in the 1970s. My dad is sight impaired, completely blind and sound is and always has been important to him which is something I picked up on. In my mid to late teens I began to get into high quality sound and building sound systems for myself and others. In late 2015 a friend of my wife’s, a lady friend was DJ/MCing weddings for a local multi-op company in Minnesota. She told me she was having fun so I joined and we started rocking weddings together! I became one of the premier DJs there pretty quickly and spent 7 years with them. While I was with them I was DJ/MCing weddings, corporate events, hosting DJ trivia, and doing my own side gigs such as DJing events for the local recovery community, night clubs, hosting talent shows, dance competitions, 5k’s, fundraisers, school dances, and much more! I began Blue Chip Entertainment MN in 2022 and have been rocking it and collaborating with other teams ever since! It took courage, confidence, commitment, compassion, grace, and God. I have been on a journey and am still on this ride with many more adventures ahead!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I started DJing wedding for the multi-op I was addicted to substances. I used the DJ gigs as something to help keep me sober and I did well for a while. In early 2017 I was at a DJ Gala and received the “DJ of the Year” award. That night I wanted to celebrate and made the poor choice to use again. During that time I had a bumpy ride. A GIF meme of me DJing strung out that was titled “DJ is Yoked Out” which featured myself rubbing sweat off my for head on a 37 degree day which was trending on snapchat so right when I thought it was over everyone I knew seen it. This meme is now completely removed from the internet and all amends have been made. On a separate occasion I spent a few nights in county jail. Due to my lifestyle at the time my wife left me and took my son. Luckily, I had good supportive friends and family that encouraged me in different ways to get sober and I have been since 11/02/2017, over 8 years of abstinence.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Blue Chip Entertainment MN?
Since 11/02/2017, I have been on a path to help others. In 2019 I became a Recovery Coach at a co-occuring spiritual based treatment facility. I became a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist in 2020, and went back to college. In 2021, I became an Alcohol and Drug Counselor. In 2022, I completed a Bachelors degree and became a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Licensed Social Worker. In 2024, I went back to school and received a Masters degree and am now A Licensed Generalist Social Worker. I used that to become a Mental Health Practitioner and now provide therapy. I believe a good DJ/MC provides therapy too! My charisma and intuition to utilize the music is the therapy. A beautiful and fun time for both you and I!
Blue Chip Entertainment MN provides fun DJ/MC packages with professional and skilled DJ’s, Super fun Photobooth packages, Uplighting, Officiant services, Special effects, and more! The term Blue Chip means top-quality, reliable, high value, trusted, and well-established. When we make our commitment to you we mean it! We want to have a relationship with you, get to know your vision, and assist in brining your vision to life! I am very proud of Blue Chip Entertainment MN because of all of the beautiful couples we had the absolute pleasure being part of their special day!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Building good relationships with colleagues in the wedding industry has been an important lesson. Also, working with couples and genuinely caring, envisioning their day and executing it was something I learned early on. Staying sober, clear minded, and connected is most important.
Pricing:
- Please contact us via email, website (request a quote), or call.
Contact Info:
- Website: bluechipentertainmentmn.com and weddingswithryan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rrrusnak/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14VyTXSuVFP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/ryan-rusnak-22501590
- Twitter: https://x.com/bluechipentmn
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bluechipentertainmentmn
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blue-chip-entertainment-duluth
- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@bluechipentmn
- Etsy: etsy.com/shop/entertainmentshopmn
