Never in a million years when seeing Dan Severn compete in one of the first UFC events many years ago did I imagine myself one day promoting similar events. Coming out of the music business I was humbled yet emotionally charged due to the success I found in music and with how easily the band I was working with lost their spirit and drive to move forward. It was a lot of pressure. My first event which took place at the NKY Convention Center and nearly sold out at over 3,000 seats was an incredible sight. Dan Severn actually worked for me as a commentator and special guest. Fighters from all over the country came into Kentucky to fight in my show.

It was a rush, a sense of accomplishment, it was amazing. Not having a clue what I was doing I still lost a lot of money at that event, but looking at it from the outside you wouldn’t believe me if I told you how much was lost. The show was nearly sold out, an all amateur card. How could you lose money? Heh some day I’ll tell you.

Through the past 3 years I have seen many ups and downs. Many learning experiences have presented themselves and been taken by the horns to better me as a person and the promotion as a whole. The truth is, behind the scenes is a very difficult and emotionally trying scene of trying to figure out what the public wants to see, praying your date isn’t competing with something else big while juggling the needs of 50 or more people and bringing them all together for one amazing night of excitement. Its not easy.

Being a fight promoter means having your phones ring constantly, always worried about your investment and the potential for loss with hopes of enough profit to live until the next event. There is no such thing as windfall cash in this business. Its a daily grind that tries the patience of yourself and the ones closest to you. Its not coincidence that not only Lacy and I but another promoter I know have been having relationship issues. The ups and downs and emotional wear and tear are difficult to deal with and nothing is ever certain. Ive been lucky enough to keep my family in tact and have a new start to a family and relationship with the woman I love. Now we begin over again, learning how to be more of a team that know nobody else can take care of each others needs the way we do.

When Lacy and I split up and word got out, all the sharks pounced. People wanted her or me for their own reasons. People you believe to be your friends come out in attempt to accomplish something selfish for themselves, throwing caution to the wind. We learned that there are snakes in the grass everywhere waiting patiently to get something out of both of us. Those people disgust me. Though it’s because of these people that drove us back together and helped us realize what we had in eachother.

It’s just another element of what it means to be a couple known, even if only on a regional level as being in the sports and entertainment business.

So why do it if its so difficult?

Because it’s a sport I love and I don’t trust anyone else to build the careers of so many fighters that train day in and day out in hopes of achieving a dream. Because the sense of accomplishment I get from selling out an event is better than any drug you can find. Because while these talented young men and women are starving for opportunity and busting their tales in the gym to get it, I’m able to work from home, spending more time with my children and we all rely on each other to make our dreams come true. Thats not something you can just walk away from.

2010 is merely a month away and Christmas just around the corner. 2009 has been a major year of learning and progression. A system a trials and tribulations that though difficult to get through have taught Lacy and myself many valauble lessons. The progress weve made in 2009 will feed the new year as we finally head into television and on demand PPV, potentially new venues in new markets with an even bigger fan base.