In Honor of Black Music Month and Father’s Day, ScoopVIZION has the honor of featuring Jamal K. Williams, CEO of Yard Out Entertainment.
Yardout Booking Entertainment Survived the Pandemic based on the CEO’s Mantra – “If you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready! Jamal K. Williams is the Founder and CEO of Yardout Entertainment, an International Entertainment Management & Booking Agency. A West Philadelphia native, Jamal speared into the entertainment industry in 1996. Upon founding Yardout Entertainment, Jamal’s ability to maintain and cultivate major client relationships did not go unnoticed and quickly made him a recognized name in the entertainment business. As a result, Jamal has 25 years of business success at the helm of YardOut Entertainment.
Yardout Entertainment prides its success on being the liaison to help sell-out concerts. Yardout has also had the success of selling out the world-famous Wembley Arena in London, England; as well as the Opera House in Sydney, Australia. As an international Agency, Yardout is currently booking in London, Amsterdam, Africa, Japan, and Germany. The motto and Long term goal for Yardout Entertainment is: “To always go the extra “Yard” and to go all “Out” for our clients.”
Jamal K. Williams’ drive and business acumen allowed him to persevere during the pandemic. Some corporations, retail chains, and entertainment businesses had to shut down entirely due to the economy being seriously affected by the pandemic. There is a lot to learn from business owners who sustained and come out stronger. Jamal K. Williams is a business owner who flourished by understanding the importance of being prepared and having cash reserves in business. I had a chance to speak with Jamal K. Williams and gain some valuable business insight.
Shelly Shell: Let’s talk about the development of your business name “Yardout?“
Jamal K. Williams: The name Yardout represents the approach I take to managing and working with my clients. Yardout means “I go the extra Yard – and I go all Out” for my clients.
Shelly Shell: What are some of the obstacles you faced while building your business?
Jamal K. Williams: When I first started out, I had just up and moved from Philly to LA with $1000 in my pocket, and $250 of that went to my flight. Back then, I never told anyone, but I was homeless for a while. I lived in my car, slept on a lot of couches, and washed up in the bathrooms of friends when they didn’t even know that was what I was doing. And when I finally made enough to stay in a hotel, it would be some of the dirtiest hotels in LA where I had to keep my socks on just to take a shower. I kept everything to myself and just kept grinding because I was determined to make it. I was not going back to Philly, and failure was not an option. As I have grown in business, a big obstacle I have faced is jealousy and realizing that not everyone wants to see you make it and that a lot of people I thought were in my corner really weren’t. I realized that people pray for your downfall, and as a result, I keep a lot of what I am working on to myself until after it happens.
Shelly Shell: The entertainment business took a hit during the pandemic, and artists weren’t able to tour and perform. How did you survive and thrive during the pandemic?
Jamal K. Williams: It’s called saving money and having multiple sources of income. I have always been of the mindset that, “If you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready!” Meaning you should always have a significant amount of cash that you don’t ever touch for rainy days. Between that, a couple of loyal clients that I was able to do virtual concerts with, and God, I have been okay.
Shelly Shell: What are some of the services Yardout Booking Agency offers?
Jamal K. Williams: Yardout is not just a booking agency. It is a management company as well. We are an agency that provides A+ talent to our clients worldwide in over 20 countries.
Shelly Shell: Who are some of the Entertainers your company represents?
Jamal K. Williams: Some of the clients I have worked with are Jacquees, Donell Jones, Joe, New Edition, Jodeci, Yolanda Adams, Koryn Hawthorne, The Jacksons, WWE Superstar Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, Married to Medicines Dr. Scott Metcalf, and his wife Contessa, Actors Morris Chestnut and Omari Hardwick, and Grammy Award Winners Kirk Franklin, Estelle, Mali Music and many more.
Shelly Shell: What are some of your upcoming events, projects, and new music?
Jamal K. Williams: Music Festival in Croatia, 2-shows in London, 1-Gospel, and 1-R&B. Donnell Jones just dropped his new album called 100% Free. We are currently in the process of shooting the second video for that project. We have a host of other worldwide concerts coming up, and they can be found on my IG page (@Yardout).
Shelly Shell: What separates Yardout Booking Agency from other agencies?
Jamal K. Williams: I don’t know what other agencies do, but Yardout strives for perfection and to ensure we make our clients happy. We don’t just collect your money. I always answer my phone. We go backstage and on-set to make sure our clients and artists are okay and have what they need. Hence the meaning of our name “We go the extra yard and go all out” for our clients.
Shelly Shell: As a successful businessman, what are some essential tips you can offer those interested in working as an Entertainment Manager and Booking Agent?
Jamal K. Williams: Never burn bridges. Always be a man of your word and try to outwork everybody.
Shelly Shell: What is that one piece of advice you received that helped you propel in business?
Jamal K. Williams: If you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready!
