Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph B. Thompson, MBA.
Hi Joseph B., 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?
I am Joseph B. Thompson, formerly known as DJ Bling, and I have been a dynamic leader and changemaker in the Austin community since 2008. As a DJ, I have performed at events large and small all over the country creating a musical atmosphere that people can enjoy. I became popular for being able to play music from all genres and blending our local Austin artist and music into my sets. This played a key role into my career in artist management and development. I have played a key role in the development and success of emerging artists across both the local and national music scenes. Born and raised in East Austin, I remain deeply connected to my roots and committed to uplifting my community through mentorship, artistic development, and advocacy.
Driven by a strong belief in the transformative power of education, I founded the DJ Bling Foundation in 2013. Since its inception, the Foundation and I have impacted the lives of more than 15,000 children and their families throughout Central Texas. Through meaningful partnerships and direct community engagement, we have invested over $1.5 million in educational resources, youth programs, and essential community support initiatives.
My educational background reflects my commitment to lifelong learning and multidimensional leadership. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Music Business from Full Sail University, a Master of Science in Divinity from Liberty University, and a Master of Business Administration in Education Policy Management from Tech Global University. This interdisciplinary education allows me to operate at the intersection of business, education, and community development.
Prior to my civilian career, I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 2002 to 2007 as a Logistics Specialist. My service included combat tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom I & II and a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The discipline, resilience, and leadership instilled in me during my military service continue to shape my approach to service, business, and community impact.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, no road I’ve walked has ever been truly smooth. Along the way, I faced real struggles with family, the weight and responsibility of being a father, and the constant challenge of securing funding while trying to build something meaningful. There were moments when the pressure felt overwhelming, but I’ve come to understand that pressure is what shaped me into the man I am today. Every obstacle forced me to grow, adapt, and stay disciplined, even when quitting would have been the easier choice.
Overcoming those difficult situations didn’t break me—it sharpened my focus and strengthened my purpose. Those experiences deepened my passion for investing in ideas, people, and communities that are often overlooked or underestimated. Today, I’m driven not just by success, but by the responsibility to advocate for disadvantaged communities and help create opportunities where few previously existed.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about DJ Bling Foundation?
DJ Bling Foundation was founded in 2013, inspired by my eldest daughter Giselle. During her first grade year at the school’s fall festival event, Giselle wanted a pencil out of the pencil vending machine. After I brought her one of the pencils, another young girl who was friends with Giselle came up and wanted one as well, so I brought the other young girl a pencil, then of course, another one of Giselle’s friends came up and asked for a pencil. At that point I had made a comment that I should just buy everybody a pencil. The principal, who was a good friend of mine and high school classmate overheard and we started talking about the lack of school supplies at this Title I school and the disadvantages due to the lack of resources and school supplies. At that moment we outlined a plan to use my influence as a DJ and some of my artist friends to host a concert that would double as a school supply drive. From there DJ Bling’s Back 2 School Festival was born and DJ Bling Foundation the organization was formed later as a nonprofit to host and fund the annual event.
Since 2013, DJ Bling Foundation has helped over 20,000 students and their families and has invested over $1.5 Million in resources and financial support in the East Austin community and beyond. Through partnerships and funding we have been able to provide healthcare resources, dental access, school supplies, transportation, free bikes, technology and internet access, and other essential resources. For our work, the Austin City Council named August 12th as DJ Bling Foundation day in the city of Austin.
I am most proud of all the work we have been able to sustain over the years and the lives we have impacted. What started as a laughable comment, became an impactful nonprofit in not only the city of Austin, but Central Texas.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was quiet and always smiling. Throughout school I earned the nickname “Smiley” because people said I always had a grin on my face—even when I was upset. That calm exterior became part of who I was, a way of observing the world before reacting to it.
Music captured my interest early in life. I played the violin in middle school and part of high school, learning discipline, timing, and patience through practice. At church, I played the drums, where I discovered rhythm, energy, and the power music has to bring people together. Those experiences planted the foundation for how I express myself today.
The military was another major fascination of mine. As a kid, I spent hours playing with army men, creating entire wars across my bedroom floor, and watching action and war movies. What drew me in wasn’t just the action, but the strategy, structure, and sense of purpose behind it all. That interest naturally expanded into a deep love for history and government.
I was always reading—every book and encyclopedia I could find at my granny’s house and at school—constantly curious about how the world worked, how societies were built, and how leadership shaped the future. Looking back, all of these interests—music, discipline, imagination, and knowledge—were quietly shaping the path I would eventually walk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://djblingfoundation.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/josephbthompsontx
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jbthompsontx
- Other: https://instagram.com/djblingtexas
