Charles Eide, 37, is the founder and CEO of EideCom Media and Events. He's based in Minneapolis.
What I do:
I am the founder and CEO of EideCom, a full-service event production agency based in Minneapolis. My passion for events first began as a kid. Today, I lead a talented team of executives and professionals, creating large-scale event experiences all over the world. As an entrepreneur, thought-leader and innovator, I am an industry expert that is dedicated to growth and community.
Why I love my job:
There are many reasons why I love my work, but the main reason has to be the alignment between my personal and company values in contributing to a larger purpose in our events community. Also, my team and I have worked very hard on our company culture and it has shown in the enjoyment of my team and partners.
My career journey:
When I started this business, we didn't know what we were doing but we had a grandiose idea that we were going to change the world. My dad helped me purchase my first pro audio system after he became so frustrated with me using his home stereo. No other business in the industry seemed to care about the experience of the audience like we did. We now produce events for audiences of a few hundred to several thousand.
My greatest career accomplishment:
My biggest accomplishment to date is creating and producing an event for the Pope and 25,000 people in Poland.
How I helped my organization during COVID:
We innovated with new products and stayed true to the basics in our business—our stellar customer service. We focused on how we can make sure our clients and their companies still gather and share ideas.
The time I averted a complete event disaster:
COVID could have been much worse for us, but we averted total disaster by focusing on streaming and remote engagement.
My most memorable event experience in the past year:
I had the pleasure of attending Mr. Olympia last year for the first time and it was a ton of fun.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Focus on the vision or goal of what an event is hoping to accomplish, and build the event around this idea.
Impressive stats I’m responsible for:
A 30% increase in gross revenue.
What’s next?
Working on using 3D technology to engage people remotely.
What I do outside of work:
I enjoy spending time with my family, and one of my most beloved hobbies is piloting our corporate aircraft.
Dream vacation:
I would love to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef.
Favorite icebreaker line:
I like to ask new people where they are from originally.
Connect with Eide on LinkedIn and Instagram.
“Connect x BizBash 40 Under 40” is sponsored by VDA, an experiential marketing and event design agency based in Massachusetts that specializes in custom live, virtual and hybrid experiences.
