Groovebox Studios grows staff as it expands across U.S.

Jeff Wenzel is the co-owner of Groovebox Studios, a production company that helps bands crowdsource new audio and video content. The 3-year-old firm got its start from the Sugar People music project and everything it took to put that together.

"We learned that it takes a huge team of people to make a project go," Wenzel says. "So we picked up the pieces and started Groovebox Studios."

Groovebox Studios helps independent bands crowdsource money from their fans to make new music and videos. The first $1,200 raised goes toward Groovebox Studios' expenses to make the project work (think time for equipment and professional services) and anything crowd funded beyond that goes toward paying the band.

"We make our money on the production costs," Wenzel says. "The band gets its money and the fans get fresh content."

The production company is based in the Russell Industrial Center, which is on the city’s near east side next to Hamtramck. Groovebox Studios is currently working with Start Garden to grow the concept. It has opened satellite locations in Chicago and Chapel Hill and is looking at expanding to Atlanta, Columbus or Cincinnati.

The firm currently employs four staffers and seven independent contractors. It hired one person and all of the independent contractors over the last year.

Source: Jeff Wenzel, co-owner of Groovebox Studios
Writer: Jon Zemke

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