Joel Tacey

Fresh out of Tech, Joel Tacey '01 was not enthused by his first marketing or sales rep option. So, he gave himself an ultimatum.

"I told myself, if I could make the same kind of living by doing magic as my friends did in traditional jobs, I would stick it out," he says. "It's been the best decision of my life."

Now, through Tiptop Entertainment, his family-brand of magic ("card games and visual stuff") has vaulted him to performing at Red Wings games, the Super Bowl, and the All-Star Fan Fest during baseball's All Star Game.

He's found his niche in four areas while growing his revenue each year, he says.

"I offer a Just for Fun Show Series and a Laugh and Learn Show series, delivering positive messages for younger children; Game Fest, running video game contests for teens; and the High Five Guys, performing with Michigan's only stilt-walking troupe!"

The stilt walking was learned at Tech during Parade of Nations, Carnival, and other events. In fact, honing his magic skills during his Tech days allowed him to graduate debt free.

Today, Tacey works school assemblies, library programs, festivals, and fairs, while also marketing his magic skills at events, trade shows,and conventions.

As for tomorrow: "I want stability and income whether the economy is good or bad," he says, something many people are saying these days.

Odds are, Tacey will pull that rabbit out of his hat.


Excerpted from Michigan Tech Magazine, Winter 2008-2009