Photo: Courtesy of Mose James IV
How he got his start: James has always considered himself a "graphic designer that could capture pretty good photos," he says. He worked as a high school graphic design teacher for eight years, where he was expected to sponsor various clubs and organizations—most notably, the yearbook.
"Since I could capture pretty much anything, I managed the school photography—which led to my first photo studio setup. I fell in love not only with photography, but with my future wife," he recalls. "And when it came [time] to get married, I decided to use that studio equipment to create a photo booth. That was 12 years and over 3,000 events ago."
What sets his company apart: James refers to OMG Booth as "a reflection of the culture." "When we entered the industry in 2010, there were not many experiential photography companies that looked like us. Our style, charm, and people are an embodiment of the community our clients are seeking to attract," he explains. "We weave this into our design and creative concepts, enabling OMG Booth to serve as a turnkey solution for our clients."
What innovation means to him: "The ability to innovate, pivot, and repeat is the continuous life cycle of a thriving business," James notes. "Popular ideas are relics by the time they hit the masses. Through experiential marketing, we are consumers' first opportunity to touch and create content they’ve yet to even imagine. Providing those new experiences creates indelible impressions that connect them to our clients."
Career highlights: James recalls a tour stop of the Color Run in Hawaii in 2012. "This is when I learned the benefits of working in the industry outweighed my current 9-5," he remembers.
His favorite thing about the industry: James loves being able to connect guests with unforgettable experiences. "I love having a front-row seat to amazing events," he says. "I love the rush of having to create these experiences in a specific time frame before the doors open."
Back to the full list: Industry Innovators 2022: 13 Standout Event Vendors to Know About
