Dave Moroz remembers attending a George Carlin Show in Detroit as a teenager with his father. He recalls being the youngest person there and his father being the oldest.
That early exposure to comedy helped pave the way for what turned into a career never short of laughs.
This past year, after spending nearly two decades bringing activities and entertainment to college campuses from Oregon University to Oakland University in Rochester, Dave Moroz became president of the Comedy/Lecture division of Olson Entertainment group.
As head of the comedy division of the Milwaukee based company, Moroz works to get comedians jobs performing in the college circuit.The utility of a master’s degree in counseling came in unexpectedly handy with his new job.
‘Comedians aren’t the most secure people in the world, so my counseling skills have come in handy with artists,? said Moroz.
After living several years out of state, Moroz spent the last 15 years living in Springfield Township enjoying the country.
‘Growing up in Detroit, I aspired to live in a rural situation, so being on five acres surrounded by critters with deer walking through the yard is a real treat,? said Moroz.
Moroz worked a brief stint on the Springfield Township planning commission, but stopped because of time constraints.
‘This township is managed so well and is about maintaining the quality of life? I saw some amazing things in their commitment and management,? said Moroz.
Appreciation for the area is important considering the dual nature of his job, which requires a fair amount of travel, but allows him to work from his home.
‘All October and November, I attend conferences all around the country showcasing acts to college buyers,? said Moroz.
Working from home though posed an unexpected challenge.
‘I was worried I’d never make time to work at home, but the opposite proved true. With the computer here, sometimes I spend too much time working. I have tried to keep the computer off on Sundays,? said Moroz.
His love for the rural setting provided hobbies to help balance work and play. Moroz enjoys building wooden furniture from dead and fallen trees he recycles in the woods. While he does not sell them regularly, Moroz has on occasion sold a piece or two. For the most part, he gives them as gifts to friends and relatives.
Besides making furniture, Moroz spends time outside landscaping and has a yard filled with trees, bushes and a fountain. When looking for a break from landscaping, he enjoys hunting for photos of wildlife with his camera.
While some readers may wonder how hard a job heading up a comedy division is, Moroz explained the difficulties of trying to sell his clients to college entertainment planners.
‘It’s difficult to get showcase spots at these conferences. There are over 500 applications, but they only take 30 ? 40 performers. The performer will then have 20 minutes to convince the buyer to book him on campus,? said Moroz.
Moroz credited his wife of 16 years, Carolyn, with helping him accept the opportunity with Olson Entertainment after several months of consideration.
‘I had a lot of security and loved it at Oakland. I expected to retire from there, but was faced with this opportunity. My amazing wife said ‘You’d be great at it and really enjoy the job.??
Currently, Moroz works with several clients. He highlighted performers Kivi Rogers, J. Chris Newberg and Dave Coulier as his high profile acts.
Rogers has appeared on the ‘Tonight Show,? ‘West Wing? and ‘Everybody Loves Raymond.?
Newberg may be familiar to fans from stand-up on Comedy Central and ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live.?
‘Newberg came to a comedy competition at Oakland University 7 or 8 years ago. He was brilliant and won. I invited him to open for our program ‘Friday Night Live?? I believe in a short time he’ll be a household name,? said Moroz.
Coulier is probably the most well-known from his run on ABC’s ‘Full House? and was an acquaintance of Moroz at St. Clare Shores High School.
‘Our paths crossed by accident long after high school in New York, before Olsen. We renewed our acquaintance there. I saw him again at the comedy festival in Montreal. Afterwards, I contacted him and he came aboard right away,? said Moroz.
Over the last twenty years of work in the comedy and entertainment industry, Moroz recalls his bringing ‘Saturday Night Live’s? Jimmy Fallon to Oakland University as his most proud moment.
‘Some members of the board came to me and said ‘We need to bring commuters and residents together for welcome week.? I said, ‘I could, if I got the right act.? I suggested Jimmy Fallon and everyone laughed. I liked that challenge. It took eight months piecing together fees from 12 different organizations on campus,? said Moroz.
Despite the doubters, on September 6, 2002, Jimmy Fallon performed at Vanderberg Dining Hall and 800 students saw the show for free. According to Moroz, the university officials saw just what they wanted, 400 commuting students and 400 resident students at the same event.
Dave Moroz spent much of the last two decades scouring the country for rising comedic stars. He shared some advice for those looking to be comedians or agents of those paid to be funny.
‘Performing is all about as much stage time in front of people who don’t know you. I’ve encountered a lot of people who say ‘I crack up my family and coworkers.? Even if you have talent you need to practice? Comedy’s not as glamorous as it appears. The Dave Chappelle’s and Lewis Black’s are few and far between…. On the other hand, there’s a huge strata of performers that are not household names, but they’re as good as anyone else and make a good living,? said Moroz.
As an agent, Moroz stressed the need for transferable skills, communication and organization.
‘You never know who might be watching and who might be aware of who you are and what you do. Network, connect with people and you don’t know what that’ll lead to,? he said.
With his new title, Dave Moroz plans to continue working as hard as possible, and that focus produced twice the amount of bookings he anticipated.
‘Any job I’ve done, I’ve always wanted to do it better than anyone else ever has,? said Moroz.