Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Elliott.
Hi Mike, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
This may be lengthy but after reviewing the focus of your magazine, I wanted to also fill you in on my “real job” outside of being an Elvis Tribute Artist. Back in 1986 my family took a big chance and moved all 6 of us (mom, dad, me, two brothers and sister) to Central Texas to start a new company as a distributor for an at that time unknown product called Echo Outdoor Power Equipment. We started in a 3,000 square foot leased building and all of us worked 12-15 hour days because we couldn’t afford too many employees. We tried at least a dozen different product lines over the last 40 years trying to figure out our niche and figure out what it is we do best. Fast forward 40 years. Mom and dad passed away in 2000 and 2006. My sister retired 9 years ago. We now distribute two major product lines in eight states and the business has gone beyond anything anything we could have ever envisioned.
ELVIS
I’m a lifelong Elvis fan. My mom swears I was hooked when she took me to my first Elvis movie when I was 3 years old. I competed in talent contests in college as Elvis and got the lead role back in the early 90’s playing an Elvis impersonator in a murder mystery production called “All Shook Up at Heartbreak Hotel” in Round Rock. Our business was still very young and I had two small children so I had no time to try to become an Elvis Impersonator. 15 years ago I went to see a now retired Elvis Impersonator who claimed to be the “best in Texas”. I thought he was so bad that it inspired me to do the research on where to get backing tracks, what kind of sound system to use, where to buy jumpsuits, jewelry, Elvis wig, etc and began my Elvis hobby back in 2012.
I started off slow doing senior centers to learn what to do. Within a couple of years I was booking high end corporate casino parties, car shows, festivals and weddings. I’m estimating I’ve done probably 500+ events in 14 years and still love it as much as the first one I did. I never got into this for the money. I got into it because it’s a lifelong dream and because I love making people happy thru Elvis’ music. Several years ago I performed with Wayne Newton at a USO event at Fort Hood. Four years ago I was invited by Sammy Hagar to perform with him at Austin City Limits. I perform all over Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and have done some events in the Midwest as well. I try to give back as much as I can with my Elvis show. I can’t do every charity event requested, but having lost my dad to cancer and my mom to Alzheimers I try to do every event I can related to both of those. I also try to do as many kid events as possible. I’ve performed at Dell Children’s Hospital many times and will be performing there again on February 12th for their annual Valentine’s Day Party. I’m also an ordained minister and have officiated and performed at quite a few weddings. I work with an amazing organization called swansongs.org that does musical last wishes for patients in hospice. The pay is very very low, but I try to take everyone of them that I can. Back when Chuy’s was allowed to do their Elvis birthday tributes on Elvis’ birthday, I was their official Elvis and did all of their tv appearances and rode in the parade. I’m blessed to continue to do my Elvis show and plan on doing it until I’m told I’m too old……lol.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Struggles may not be the right word as this has always been a hobby and not my job. I’m blessed in that way as it would be a struggle because of some “not so legitimate” Elvis impersonators who will work for next to nothing. After 14 years I know my “value” and I don’t price match any other impersonator. It’s not like shopping for a car where no matter where you buy it, you know what you’re getting. There are massive differences between the looks and voices of regional impersonators.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about TOP Equipment Distributors, Inc.?
I covered this in the first section not realizing this question would come later. I’m now retired and not actively involved in day to day operations. We have 2 businesses. One is the outdoor power equipment distribution center, and the other is a commercial property company we established many years ago.
I truly believe that we established ourselves as one of the top power equipment distributors in the country because of our family first attitude and although cliched, we truly care about the well being and financial health of our customers. We still have quite a few customers that have been with us for almost 40 years. I’m most proud of having so many longtime employees who came to us very early in their career, have climbed that ladder here and have gone on to get married and raise kids while working here.
I also have my 35 year old son who has been in the business now for over 9 years so that will be my legacy.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Having lived in the Austin area for almost 40 years I love the vibe of Austin. I love the diversity of entertainment options, the great restaurants that have come here and the fact that it’s a great city to raise a family.
What I like least is that growth comes at the cost of being able to get into Austin from the suburbs quickly, how hard it is now to get a reservation at my favorite restaurants, and the parking difficulty.
But still love Austin and no plans of ever leaving.
Pricing:
- Because this is my hobby and not my business, I don’t have “standard” pricing. I prefer to look at each potential event or “gig” on it’s own and work with the client on what is fair for both of us. They’re all different.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elvisaustin.com
- Instagram: elvis_austin_texas
- Facebook: Mike Elvis Elliott
- Youtube: @MikeElliott-sx5sh
