Episode 3: Concert Guy Paul Maxwell on a Music Passion to a Music Business

Synopsis

Paul Maxwell operates a concert venue in Waterloo, Ontario. His stage has been graced by bands like Matthew Good Band, The Tea Party, Bif Naked, Classified, Stars, Kiefer Sutherland, Sloan, Big Wreck, and even Nick Carter.

In this episode host Greg Martin and Paul discuss the feeling of having your favourite bands play our own stage and how that balances with the ups and downs of owning a business. As you’ll hear, there are times of stress and times of pure joy.

Key Takeaways

• Paul operates Maxwell’s Concert and Events, a 700+ person music venue that hosts rocks stars and concerts!

• Concert venues rely on being full and it’s a struggle to see how they can survive without significant developments (or a vaccine) within Covid-19, but some bands are still practicing and finding work if they can

• Paul began a different (smaller version) of Maxwells when he graduated from university and won a startup competition - began him on a long path with ups and downs to eventually find success with the most recent venue

• Incredible to experience bands you love playing on your own stage

• Today Paul has great relationships in the community and with lots of bands around North America

• Paul has become an experienced entrepreneur, which all came from taking the plunge when he graduated

Paul’s Background

After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University with a business degree, Paul started Maxwell’s Music House which later became Maxwell’s Concerts & Events. As a business leader in the Waterloo region, he has one a number of awards including:

• Being inducted into the Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame

• Laurier Young Alumnus of the Year

• The Record’s annual 40 Under 40 (Waterloo)

• Young Entrepreneur of the Year, by Waterloo Chamber of Commerce