Today we’d like to introduce you to Chase Smith.
Hi Chase, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
A few years ago, it all began with renting the Cold Sparks machines for an Entertainers’ Battle event with Houston vs Dallas. I gave the illusion of being a fireman and performed a mixed version of the song “Fireman” by the well known artist Lil Wayne. That show received numerous requests to perform again and that’s when I decided to purchase two Cold Sparks machines and a Low Lying Fogger to add a little “smoke” to the show…and from that, I thought, “Hey, I am on to something here.” From that very thought, I began building an inventory of different Special Effects Stage equipment, which lead to establishing NEXT LEVEL SPECIAL EFFECTS & EVENTS.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Getting started was not a smooth road, due to entering an industry that I had very little knowledge about definitely became a challenge. There were many late nights spent researching, watching videos. learning how to obtain insurance, license and certifications to become a Pyrotechnic Technician. While attempting to retain the business necessities, I was maintaining 12 hr shifts for 13 days straight with one day off, which definitely became “the” struggle, but I was determined. Along with multiple sacrifices and by the Grace of God, it was accomplished.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Next Level Special Effects & Events brings The “WOW” Factor to each event that we service. We guarantee to create memorable moments with the Cold Sparks machines being our top rentals. for quinceañeras, weddings, birthday celebrations, gender reveals, graduations, prom send offs, live stage band events, proposals and grand entrances, so we have a healthy inventory of those. Our Commercial Low Lying Fogger machines are very popular for our Wedding Coordinators for the Bride and Groom’s first dance, which creates a beautiful illusion of “Dancing in the Clouds.”
Being the CEO of Next Level Special Effects & Events, I am very proud of the professional services that we render for each event. Also, I proudly commend my fiancé and Promotions Executive, Leticia Franklin, for her outstanding creativity of the company’s logo and business literature, which has been a great impact of getting Next Level’s recognition.
Communication with our clients and arriving one time to an event’s itinerary is top priority.
The reviews that Next Level have received from clients, lets me know that the decision made to elevate these machines to a business platform was not only a great idea, but it has been a tremendous blessing from God!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Some venue’s electrical power systems do not hold the wattages of the machines…unfortunately, the breakers will trip. When this happens, the machines will have to be reset, so it has become standard protocol to ALWAYS BRING EXTRA EQUIPMENT that is preset and ready to be immediately put in place. Being promptly prepared is of essence!!
Pricing:
- 2 Cold Sparks machines $300
- 1 Commercial Low Lying Fogger $250
- Package (2) Cold Sparks, (1) Commercial Low Lying Fogger $500
- (2) LED Vertical Foggers $200
- (6) Rope Stanchions with red, black or grass carpet $150
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Next Level Effects Events
- Facebook: Next Level Special Effects and Events
- Other: Google
