Lifestyle

DJ Stacks shares his secrets for success

Published

5 years ago

July 2, 2020

Breaking into the music industry is no easy task. Just ask Staten Island legend DJ Stacks; he’s been on the scene since the age of 12, when he started making and selling mix-tapes around New York City. Today he’s a resident DJ at celebrity clubs like 1Oak, Tao and Up & Down, has a regular spot on HOT 97’s Radio Mixshow and is a member of the Heavy Hitters, an exclusive DJ organization. We sat down with the rising music star to find out his secrets for success.

Promote yourself

In the music industry, name recognition is everything, which is why DJ Stacks was out every night, distributing his mixtapes to security guards, club managers and anyone who would listen. “Sometimes I’d be outside a club and I would see a celebrity walking in so I would give a mixtape to their management,” he said. “Even on my nights off, I would still go out because I wanted to show people that I was motivated. I was hungry.”

Networking is key

“Over the years, there are a lot of celebrities and people that I’ve built a relationship with just because they kept seeing me at the same club every time they went,” he explains. However, he stresses the importance of being respectful and understanding people’s boundaries. “It’s all about how you approach people, because if you approach people in the wrong way, you’re gonna be remembered in a bad light.”

Choose your circle wisely

The phrase “it’s all about who you know” is a cliche for a reason. “You always want to make sure you’re surrounded by people that motivate you and have the resources and tools to help you make more connections and grow further,” he explains.

Always be available

According to DJ Stacks, he never turned down a gig. “I was always available. If promoters called me I would always say yes, because then it puts the pressure on me to fit it into my schedule,” he says. Promoters will remember your work ethic and are more likely to hire you again.

Show dedication

“I was always on time,” he says. “You have to show how much you want it. You have to be dedicated and you can’t complain. Many who complain will be replaced because there is always somebody else willing to do the same thing better and stronger than you,” he says.

Take risks

When DJ Stacks was first offered an assistant position at HOT 97, it meant giving up his job deejaying at a local restaurant that was his main source of income. Although it was a huge financial risk, it had the potential to open up other doors for him, and it paid off. He’s been at HOT 97 for 10 years now, and on-air for five.

Never Take Anything Personally

According to DJ Stacks, perseverance is key in the music industry. It took him almost five years before he got his foot into celebrity clubs. “There were times they didn’t want to hire me. There were times they didn’t know who I was. There were times that the doorman wouldn’t let me in,” he says. “But I never took it personally. It actually motivated me.”

Lifestyle

Documentary Alert: Derik Fay – A Hidden Architect in Plain Sight

Published

3 days ago

October 26, 2025

Michelle Langton

Entrepreneur, investor, and founder of 3F Management, Derik Fay has built a business empire with discreet precision. Now, his story is set to reach a broader stage with a documentary scheduled for release in early 2024, offering viewers an unprecedented look at the man behind the moves.

From Small‑Town Roots to Private Equity Power

Born November 19, 1978, in Westerly, Rhode Island, Fay’s trajectory defies conventional entrepreneur narratives. He began with limited resources but an expansive vision. After the success of his early fitness venture, he shifted to the private equity and operational model through 3F Management, quietly holding or controlling stakes in companies across fintech, media, health, construction and more.

The Documentary’s Focus: Strategy, Legacy, Quiet Influence

The upcoming film dives into Fay’s behind‑the‑scenes methodology. Rather than spotlight‑chasing, the narrative shows how Fay executes in boardrooms most never see, scales companies most never hear of, and converts digital authority into foundational power. It highlights how his Instagram following of over 1.4 million and billions of digital impressions are not the goal—they are the byproduct of systematic growth and influence.

Why This Story Matters Now

In an era of flash exits, viral entrepreneurs and boom‑and‑bust startups, Fay represents a different archetype: the silent architect building for endurance. The documentary frames his model as an antidote to hype—emphasizing infrastructure, sustainable growth and strategic compounding. Viewers will follow his journey from his earliest days in Rhode Island to boardroom negotiations, legacy exit strategies and personal transformation.

What You’ll Discover

The founding and expansion of his early fitness business, and how that created the blueprint for modern deal‑making.
The evolution of 3F Management and its broader holdings, showing how Fay’s operational involvement distinguishes him from traditional investors.
Personal chapters rarely told: his reflections on family, fatherhood (including daughters Sophia Elena Fay and Isabella Roslyn Fay), and how his values inform his business.
Digital influence redefined: how millions of followers and global content served not as showmanship, but as a platform for entrepreneurs, giving back and platform building.
A net worth estimate derived from exits, real‑estate holdings and equity positions—though Fay chooses discretion, analysts place his worth comfortably into the $100 million‑plus range, with some valuations exceeding $250 million.

Anticipated Release & Impact

According to early reports, the documentary is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2024. While the exact distribution vehicle is unconfirmed, the subject’s reach, story and timing suggest a high‑profile streaming launch is possible. For those tracking “Derik Fay documentary” or “Derik Fay Netflix,” this will be a key watch.

Final Word

The documentary isn’t merely about success. It’s about how success is built—behind closed doors, sometimes unseen, yet undeniably powerful. Derik Fay’s story reminds us that influence isn’t measured only in noise—it is often measured by the legacy quietly assembled.