Todd Easter/Business Owner/The American Triumph Journal

Many Americans make huge investments of money and time into starting a new
business. Unfortunately, many times these hopeful entrepreneurs efforts do not pay
off. A 2008 report from the SBA (United States Small Business Agency) states that one
third of new businesses fail within the first two years of operation. The report also
estimates that 2007 ended with 560,300 businesses failing and 28,322 businesses filing
for bankruptcy. Todd Easter is a business owner who has beaten the odds.
Americantriumphjournal.com spoke with Todd Easter July 6, 2008. In the following
paragraphs, his triumph will be celebrated.

“I was satisfied with the money I was making before I launched my own business, but
today I make 50% more and work 20 hours less a week,” he said.

Easter is co-owner of, DSR Studios, formerly Da Spot Recording Studio, located at
2709 West Broad Street, Richmond, Va. There, he provides a vital tool for people trying
to gain access into the recording industry. He manages and serves as an engineer in
the facility. DSR employs six engineers, each with their own unique talent to model to
the needs of diverse clientel. Easter can provide people with vocal training, recording,
mixing, graphic design services, song writing, artist development and recording classes.
DSR has worked with many famous recording artists including: Rick Ross, Tyrese, Mr.
Cheeks, M.O.P., Aaron Hall, Naturi Naughton of 3LW and Skillz. DSR has also done
work for corporations including: ABC, Disney, ESPN, Puma Athletic Wear and Ecko
Clothing. Over his 10 years in business, he has earned an excellent reputation for his
work.

“It is not an easy thing to do," Easter said. "We were blessed."

Easter was born at Richmond Memorial Hospital, in Richmond, Va. He was raised in a
two parent household. His mother worked as a x-ray supervisor and his father worked in
construction.

Easter graduated from Richmond Community High School located at 5800 Patterson
Ave. In high school, he described himself as cool and mellow. He was a honor student
graduating with a 3.5 grade point average. He possessed a love for music and drawing.
In high school, he said, he considered pursuing a career in architecture. He attended
the University of Delaware and majored in electrical engineering. He did not graduate.

Music has been a part of Easter's life since a very young age.

"I fell in love with music from hearing my older sisters sing and recite the lyrics of bands
like Heatwave, Kurtis Blow and The Gap Band," he said.

He received private instruction as a child for piano and drums. He learned how to play
the trumpet from school. He is a competent player of all three. Late in his teen years
and early 20's, he was producing music for local bands and deejaying at various
venues. He was a creative director and producer for Richmond's music video program,
"Karamel Video Jamz."

At the age of 21, Easter was working for Credit Card America, as an inventory manager.
It was during this time that he met the future co-owner of his studio, Kelly Jones, who was
a co-worker. Jones was deeply involved in music as well. Jones had started an artist
management firm called En' Faith Entertainment and did work for some of Richmond's
top artists including: Skillz, Good Guys and Black Source. Easter and Jones became
friends and started to combine their talents.

“DSR was put together for convenience more than anything else,” Easter said.

Easter said, the idea of a studio seemed like a great way to get people to come to them.
At the time, they were both promoting projects and trying to gain a foothold in the
industry. Easter and Jones used their own money to open the studio. He said, they
used their connections with musicians in Virginia to gain business for their studio.

DSR first opened their doors in a business complex located on Lakeside Avenue in
1998. The building was filled with other businesses and their recording time was limited
to after most of the businesses closed. Easter and Jones were the only employees at
the time. Recording and mixing were the only services offered. The studio consisted of
a 16 channel mixer and an old computer. Easter said, it was amazing how good they
were able to make things sound. Easter was still working full time at Credit Card America
during this time. His usual work day between the two jobs, he said, was anywhere from
14 to 20 hours. He said, the business started to pay for itself after three months and
became profitable after six. After a year, DSR moved to 518 West Grace Street. There,
it had a building all to itself and could record music at all times. Services were added,
such as artist development, promotions and photography. Easter no longer had to work
another job.

Today, DSR, is located at 2709 West Broad Street. It is in it's 10th year of operation. It
has increased from a 800 sq. ft. facility to a 3,000 sq. ft. facility. It's staff, clientel and
services have grown. Easter now offers an internship program for young recording
engineers who want to gain experience or want to get a job. He said, his hiring process
consists of an internship in which individuals give some of their time and he gets a
chance to see how they interact with people.

"The most important part of an engineer is creativity," he said. "I don't mind training
people on the technical side."

Easter was asked to give advice for a person thinking about starting a business. .

“Make sure the business is legit," he said. "Have all your necessary licenses and
registrations."

Easter currently lives in Richmond's south side. He owns a three bedroom home. He is
the father to one daughter.

“I was satisfied with the money I was making before I launched my own business, but
today I make 50% more and work 20 hours less a week,” he said.

July 6, 2008

For additional information on Todd Easter and DSR Studios visit the following link:

The American Triumph Journal is a free online magazine.

Todd Easter

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