Massapequa Entrepreneur Rides Through Rough Economy with Multiple Businesses

Damiano Leoni is your quintessential "Jack of All Trades." 

His success in building several home-grown business ventures has helped him remain afloat in today's choppy economic waters.

Leoni, who grew up in Massapequa and currently lives in North Massapequa, has used his passion and appreciation for the arts as a catalyst for his entrepreneurialism.

Spending his childhood playing with records rather than toys, Leoni entered the business world at the age of 17 when he began deejaying private parties. It was his love for music that motivated him to follow the beat of his own drum in pursing his dream to become an on-air radio personality.

That  came to fruition when he landed his first on-air radio gig with Party 105.3, then known as WXXP-FM.

Quickly gaining a fan following, he was sought out by Cox Radio Communications' 106.1 WBLI-FM to host its Saturday night "Club BLI" show, which also led to an additional position as entertainment director where he booked talent and performers.

Leoni branched off into another direction by taking an interest in helping non-profits.

He used his voice and vast business and radio connections to make a difference by promoting local charities and helping them raise money.

With the dawn of satellite radio and cutbacks being made by corporations, Leoni  phased out of radio.

So he decided to go it alone and his entrepreneurial spirit  has resulted in the ownership and management of several self-made businesses.

He owns a full service entertainment, production and event planning company, Damiano Leoni Entertainment;  a professional photography business, Studio Damiano Photography, and he has his own artist management company, Damiano Leoni Management.

Embracing his love of cars, Leoni also manages his own car detailing business, Detail by Dee.

Though he says this kind of "all encompassing" approach to business is a huge undertaking, Leoni believes it has been instrumental in helping him hedge against a bad economy.

"The beauty in having all of these businesses at the same time is that when one slows down, the other typically compensates and picks up the slack, which means you are able to budget your time accordingly so you can remain busy year round and generate that steady flow of income," Leoni said.

"It's almost like having an insurance policy."

But it can be overwhelming at times.

"Managing all of these businesses at the same time is definitely a fine juggling act," he said. " But for me, it has proven to be a smart proactive approach – especially in today's day and age when you really have to fend for yourself."

While Leoni no longer works full time in radio, his knack for understanding and working with high-tech electronics has found him yet another niche.

He serves as an independent product representative for such leading retail electronic companies as SONY, Belkin and Bose. In this capacity, Leoni educates manufacturer retail carriers about product selling features and provides tutorials on their use and functionality. He is also responsible for floor display layout and execution, marketing strategy and special promotions.

Though Leoni said he has fulfilled most of his dreams, he said he still has some unfinished business to tend to. He wants to get married and start a family.

There's room for one more successful enterprise.