Jim Tricomi, 52, of Niles, is launching his own DJ business through an innovative new program known as the Ohio Microenterprise and Customized Employment Demonstration Project.
As DJ Diamond Jim, Tricomi has provided paid DJ services for monthly dances at both The Fairhaven Sheltered Workshop and The Creative Learning Workshop. With a love of music since he was young, especially The Beatles, Johnny Cash and polkas, DJ Diamond Jim specializes in classic rock and polka music. He became interested in the entertainment business as a young man, helping a family member who owned a DJ service and learning the trade.
The project was developed by the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, and approaches self-employment for the physically and developmentally disabled by providing counseling services and funding to qualified aspiring entrepreneurs.
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Special to The Niles Times
Jim Tricomi, 52, of Niles, recently launched his own DJ business through an innovative new program known as the Ohio Microenterprise and Customized Employment Demonstration Project. As DJ Diamond Jim, Tricomi has provided paid DJ services for monthly dances at both The Fairhaven Sheltered Workshop and The Creative Learning Workshop.
Tricomi, along with Kimberly Budaker, employment coordinator at the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities / Direct Link, worked with Jennifer Loue of the Ohio RSC and Donna Walsh, business counselor at the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Youngstown State University, to finalize a business plan for Tricomi's new venture. Funding through the Ohio RSC enabled Tricomi to purchase DJ equipment, a laptop computer, and software and for the creation of promotional brochures, business cards and advertising.
The Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities' Adult Services Program created Direct Link in May 2010 in an effort to become a premier employment resource in the community by focusing on developing jobs and offering job coaching and follow-along services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
"Direct Link is a TCBDD service designed to help job seekers with developmental disabilities find the right job in our communities,'' said Budaker, Tricomi's Direct Link employment coordinator. ''Direct Link intends to position itself as a resource to local employers for finding qualified applicants."
The Ohio Small Business Development Center at YSU has participated in the state initiative over the past 17 months, providing business planning expertise to more than 20 physically and developmentally disabled Ohio residents.
Five startups, including DJ Diamond Jim, have received funding as result of this effort.
Last week, Tricomi threw a dance at Fairhaven School, where he showcased his DJ service to the public and thanked everyone who has helped and encouraged him along the way.
To learn more about the event or request a DJ Diamond Jim brochure, call 330-652-9142 or email Jim Tricomi at djdiamondjimtricomi@aol.com.