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

Hi Todd, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
The most important thing I’ve done as a parent is lead by example that how you live, how you treat people, how you conduct your business and how hard you engage in anything you do reflects on your reputation, your name and yourself which is your brand forever.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been interested in being apart of the activities that result in people having a good time. When a plan comes together. It is what attracted me to the party business. I have dabbled as DJ, club owner, host, coatcheck, bartender, cook, security, doorman, photographer, promoter, graphic artist and trash and bathroom cleanup dude, Most jobs involved in many people have a good time are not that glamorous and there is very little glory. It is not always easy, it will not always be financially rewarding but the satisfaction comes in you doing something that brings you passion and deciding in advance can you be happy that the results are sometimes just the good times or memories enjoyed by others. My satisfaction despite wanting to be rewarded financially for my efforts usually comes from anything I have put my stamp on be a memorable standout in whatever event or brand I’ve played a part. I am particular proud the I cocreated the Tribe Comic with artist Larry Stroman, still the largest selling African American comic from African American creators. The festival I am a partner in Charivari Detroit has become a worldwide brand in DJ driven entertainment. My kids are a creative dynamo musically on their own and my own story has so many chapters to still write. The future is bright.

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.
My best times usually occur at home. So being an advanced planner, many of the things to show a special guest a good time I would have put in place before the arrival. That being said a weeks worth of groceries with many of the meals and drinks planned would already be in place. I like to cook for guests so much of the going out for food is regulated to a few meals. While there would be a few visits to other friends and family, most of the other friends would be invited to the house to join in on the food and beverage selections over the week. When we do venture out, favorite spots in the city are usually the hole in the wall breakfast and lunch dives, pizza, middle eastern, Bangkok Cafe for Thai or Los Galanes, the favorite Mexican Restaurant, You want to hit a party. TV Lounge. You like comedy. Anywhere Mike Bonner or Dwayne Gill are performing. Live entertainment can be sketchy during a visit. Check the schedules. Favorite time killers. Detroit Art Institute. Detroit Zoo. The back yard. The most fun. Laughing and telling stories. Chilling and enjoying good company with no particular destination in mind. or schedule to follow.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My greatest success in life has come from the love and support of my family, wife Carol Johnson and children Carmen and Alexander Johnson and a incredible group go friends. There is a different expectation and extra push you put on yourself when you know that the end result reflects on how your kids see you and are affected by your actions or lack of in all areas.

Website: www.charivaridetroit.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charivaridetroit/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CHARIVARI313
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharivariDetroit/
Other: https://www.instagram.com/tribecomic/

Image Credits
N/A

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