UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) gives local startups a place to call home. Our co-working space, office space, and event space give up-and-coming businesses the physical resources they need to be successful. Our brilliant minds who serve as mentors and advisers give businesses the educational and experience-based coaching they need as well. Here at CIE, we know what it takes to ensure the success of startup businesses for the long run. We are dedicated to bettering Wilmington’s business community and creating jobs here in Wilmington through the companies we are incubating.
 
Brian Stauffer is a serial entrepreneur who is developing multiple business ideas at once. Most recently he was the station manager and morning host for WWQQ in Wilmington, N.C. After 24 years in broadcasting, Stauffer has joined UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. During his time in the broadcasting industry, Stauffer learned that the top 10 DJs in the U.S. make between $7 million and $20 million per year. This inspired him to start his own company. Stauffer’s Fancies Mobile DJs is a mobile entertainment company that serves the higher-end wedding market. “A wedding is a celebration of two families coming together to start a new family. It’s also one of the last times you’ll have all your friends and family in one place together,” Stauffer remarks. Fancies provides the soundtrack for what will be one of life’s most memorable events. Check out its services at https://www.facebook.com/fanciesnight/.
 
In addition to being at the helm of Fancies Mobile DJs, Stauffer is an Uber entrepreneur. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Uber, anyone can become an Uber driver if they meet the necessary criteria of the third-party taxi service. The value proposition of using Uber’s services is that it’s often significantly cheaper and more convenient than using an ordinary taxi. Stauffer has created a one-of-a-kind brand he calls Uber on Fire (uberonfire.com) that helps Uber drivers make the most of their Uber businesses. He’s also built an eight-lesson course called Uber-versity which provides tips for being the best Uber driver possible while trying to make the most money on the road. Stauffer’s weekly podcasts dovetail with his weekly emails to give additional tips on building a successful Uber business.
 
Whether you are planning an event and searching for a DJ or an Uber driver seeking to improve your efficiency and maximize your profits, Brian Stauffer is at your service at 910-742-1500.
 
If you are a student, UNCW faculty member, new inventor, or budding entrepreneur, please email the CIE’s interim executive director, Chuck Whitlock, at [email protected] to explore how the CIE can help you make your business idea a reality. Whitlock may also be reached by phone at (910) 962-2886.
 
Chuck Whitlock is the Interim Executive Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UNC Wilmington. CIE is an accelerator for the startup community to help diversify the local economy with innovative companies that will pay higher wages. For more information, go to www.uncw.edu/cie.