It has been said that music is beneficial for the soul, good exercise, makes people happy and bonds generations together, especially at special occasions. For Jason and Joy Diglio-Heintz, co-owners of Rent-A-DJ and long-time town residents, providing music for their clients and community has been a fulfilling, 35-year task.

“When I was looking for work in between semesters at UMASS, a woman by the name of Roberta Delucca gave me the number to call Rent-A-DJ, thinking it would be a perfect job for me. I loved music and already had some technical experience with sound engineering,” recalled Jason Heintz. “From my first day on the job, I really enjoyed my work and I stayed with the company, moving through the ranks and some years later I bought the company.

“Today, I’m co-owner and vice-president with my wife Joy and my friend Patrick Ryan,” he added.

Heintz explained that Rent-A-DJ was founded in 1976 by Mark Kaplowe, who was a radio announcer on New Haven’s WPLR radio. Kaplowe sold the company in 1994 to John Trousdale, a DJ and Heintz’s college friend, and Ryan, who had originally formed their own mobile disc jockey company while in college. Both Trousdale and Ryan had a vision to make the company grow, which they succeeded doing through the years.

“Our office is located on Washington Avenue behind Minotti’s Music and the foundation for our business is integrity and to please our clients,” stated Ryan. “Rent-A-DJ is not a company with one person doing all the work, but a mainstream of several dedicated and trained professionals who love music and working with people. Disc jockeys are very popular, especially at weddings.”

“I believe that any company, in order to be successful, must focus on quality, customer service, integrity, staff support, professionalism, teamwork and the ability to adapt to new changes,” stated Kaplowe. “I hired employees with varied backgrounds and outstanding people’s skills and personality because 99 percent of our business deals with people.”

Through the years, Rent-A-DJ has hosted thousands of events in Connecticut and entertained over 1.5 million people, and there’s no substitute for that experience, added Kaplowe. “Interacting with the public is a large portion of what we do — we have hosted events for Bill Clinton, Steve Gutenberg, Tommy Hilfiger and other events, including the Special Olympics World Games. That was a very memorable event.”

“Pat Ryan, and my husband Jason and I also believe in giving back to the community,” said Joy Diglio-Heintz. “We have and still contribute to North Haven by donating to many town agencies, groups and organizations, including the North Haven Police Department, the North Haven Police Benevolent Association, the North Haven PTA/PTSA, Saint Frances Cabrini Women’s Guild and other local fundraisers.”

“We are always receiving past, present and potential clients, and even former employees as walk-ins on an every day occurrence,” she added.

Some past employees are stand-up comedienne Lisa Lampanelli, former KC101 disc jockey and radio host Kelly Nash, Roberta Deluca, Patty Pino and Jimmy Hoskinson, and the mayor of East Haven April Capone. They all worked together and formed lasting friendships, and some keep in touch on a regular basis.

Recalled Capone, “I was 20 years old when I started working here for the summer during college, and John Trousdale was my instructor for the training program. Every new employee goes through a training program that is very beneficial.”

“It was a great job, a lot of fun, met terrific people, and I became part of an extended family. The job helped me with my speaking skills which are an essential part of my job as mayor. I still keep in touch and visit Joy, Jason, and Pat at the office when I can,” she added.

Nash had similar, positive sentiments. “The group of disc jockeys they put together in the 90’s was an all-star collection, and every one of them seemed to be cut from the same cloth as the men who were running it,” he said. “That commitment to making the customers happy no matter what was very impressive, and is a key component to the success of this business.”

“It’s awesome to see Jason, Joy, and some of the folks who were part of that all star team continue to grow Rent-A-DJ today!” he added.

Dedication, commitment, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, service, fond memories and the desire to entertain and bring music into the lives of people of all ages at various functions, events, and occasions have given Rent-A-DJ its own special place in the business community.

“In the future, our challenge is to continue to adapt to changing technology, working with equipment that is smaller and lighter, modernize and stay updated with advertising, and providing all types of music for all age groups,” said Heintz. “We look forward to entertaining our customers for many years to come while putting people first and bringing music into their lives and putting smiles on their faces.”

For more information, please call 203-234-7777 or visit rentadj.com or Jason.heintz@rentadj.com