Ryan Long is one of Los Angeles’ finest event producers. The 37-year-old event organizer is credited with putting together some of the greatest A-list celebrities studded fundraisers and charity events. Some of these projects include and are not limited to: Fame at the Mansion (2012), Fame and Philanthropy (2014), unite4: humanity, last year’s City Gala.
Long began his career in the early 2000s as a club promoter for several LA nightclubs and then went on to start Live Music Showcase for the promotion of musical talent at Hollywood venues.
In this interview, he talks about his personal and business life with us
Ryan, in what city do you live and what languages do you speak?
I reside in the beautiful city Los Angeles in California, United States. I am fluent in English.
Which quotes do you find most inspiring? Can you share them with us?
Sure, one is “We rise by lifting others” by Robert Ingersoll and the other is “Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal” by the great Earl Nightingale.
What is your typical day like?
Usually, I wake up by 5am. Then I head off to the gym and spend two hours keeping this body fit. I head home for a quick breakfast before going to work. I spend a good chunk of the day connecting with Committee Members, Publicists, and Celebrities from 9am to 6pm. Then I proceed to plan and strategize from 6pm to 9pm. Since I am big on self-improvement, I spend the rest of the waking hours reading personal development books.
What are your hobbies?
Oh yeah. I love working out at the gym, cycling, and jogging. I also enjoy watching Ultimate Fighting Championships with my friends. Another fun fact about me is that I am an absolute movie lover, that’s in the off season when I am not fundraising.
What makes you smile?
That would be my son, my Mom, my Grandma, my dearest friends and watching other people succeed.
What is your secret talent?
That would be the ability to discover other people’s talents. I love to assist others in making their talent shine, and also see how we can grow our talents together so that their talents become a part of my organization.
What are you never without?
You can’t spot me without a sense of humor.
Which historical figure do you most admire?
Oh I just love Napoleon Hill a whole lot. He is a genius with how he made financial literacy a reality for many people through his resources.
What scares you?
I’ve learned to let go of fear. One of my stellar qualities is to use fear as a catalyst for growth. That said, rattle snakes are creepy! (Laughs)
What would you like your final meal to be?
That would definitely be a Thanksgiving meal with my family.
What is your greatest achievement?
Overcoming adversity.
What’s your favorite vacation spot?
I love Hawaii so much.
‘Best-kept secrets’ (websites, places, etc.) you’d recommend, and why?
The secret to my success has been personal development. And so I would recommend to other people to study biographies and success stories year round. Napoleon Hill, Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, and Bob Proctor are among the people that changed my life by putting their knowledge into books and videos so that I can study.
Ryan, what are three life memories you recall most frequently and why?
My Grandfather’s death, because he had dementia and took his life by shooting himself in the head. I remember this vividly because I regret not being there for him. I don’t know my Father, so my Grandfather was my Father. I have his namesake (Long) my last name is my Grandfather’s name.
Then moving into Grandma’s house a few years after Grandfather passed away is also memorable. I recall this so well because it was in the very room that my Grandfather took his life, that I began to study DAILY personal development books.
Finally, my son being put into my arms for the first time. He was asleep when he was first handed to me, and I held him in front of me in my hands until his eyes opened. It was magical and I became a new man. (Smiles)
What tips can you recommend that you’d only share with friends?
Be authentic and genuine in your relationships. And allow yourself to be completely congruent so that all of your actions, words, thoughts, activities, habits, and business flow naturally in the same direction.
What do you do for a living?
I am a Charitable Fundraiser and Event Producer.
Which company do you work at?
I am the Founder of City Summit and City Gala.
In which cities do you run them?
City Summit and City Gala are in Los Angeles.
What are your best professional skills?
Those would be communication, connection, and contribution. I enjoy personal conversation very much.
What honors/awards have you received?
The several ‘thank you notes’ from the charitable organizations that I have assisted along my journey. They are my greatest professional rewards.
Tell us a little bit more about your business
The City Summit/Gala advances community through humanitarian events. The Summit gathers together leaders, celebrities, and successful entrepreneurs to share their stories of overcoming adversity, inspiration, unity, entrepreneurship, and leadership. The Gala takes place on the evening of the Grammy Awards and features keynote speeches by iconic heroes, honors for legacy and lifetime, and a celebrity poker tournament to raise money for my client (the charity).
Who is your business targeting?
We look out for speakers, donors, sponsors, and high net worth individuals that would like to be involved.
What sets you apart from your competition?
We are all human. There is no competition, only creativity.
How do you find inspiration?
Inspiration lives within me. I do not need to find it, I only need to unleash it.
What was your first business idea and what did you do with it?
To be a Personal Trainer. I assisted my clients in getting healthy and fit.
What do you wish you knew before you started your first business?
That contributing to others makes you wealthy beyond imagination. Also, success is a service that runs the extra mile and is a consistent building of long-term, sustainable relationships.
What are your most immediate projects?
My team and I are currently working on the City Summit/Gala slated for February 11th and 12th.
Is there any anything else you’d like to add?
I would just like to thank you for your interest in my background.
As you can see, Ryan is just getting started. We can only expect more from him this year.
