Like a lot of DJs, Chuck Zerambo has spent much of his professional life in service. But for him, it’s not just about his customers – it’s also about service to his country and community.
A veteran who balances his DJ company – Sir Charles Distinctive Entertainment & DJ Services – with his work at the Department of Defense, Zerambo has managed to distinguish himself in both areas. In addition to successfully running his company since 1987, Zerambo, 65, was recently bestowed the Spirit of Hope Award from the Department of Defense. The award honors “core values of duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity and selfless dedication.” We recently visited with the Philly-area DJ.
DJ LIFE: What got you interested in music?
Zerambo: I grew up in the Philadelphia area, where I was immersed in music from an early age. One of my earliest musical experiences was performing as a Philadelphia Mummer, marching in the Mummers New Year’s Day Parade when I was just 3 years old. This early exposure to music sparked a lifelong passion.
DJ LIFE: Was there an artist that moved you?
Zerambo: As a child, one of my biggest musical influences was Jim Croce. I had the incredible opportunity to meet Jim through a neighbor, and I spent time hunting with him on his farm in Chester County. I also joined him at his deer-hunting camp, where he wrote much of his iconic music. Jim’s lyrics, which were always inspired by real-life experiences, left a lasting impression on me and deepened my appreciation for the storytelling power of music. These formative experiences shaped my love for music during an influential time in my life, helping me to understand not just the sound, but the soul of music.
DJ LIFE: How did you get the DJ bug?
Zerambo: I’ve always had an interest in music, and when I was in high school, I briefly considered becoming a radio DJ. However, I took a different path into the automotive industry, where I built a solid career. In the mid-1980s, I saw an ad looking for DJs and decided to audition. That was when I landed a job at The Pros, a large DJ company, and I found my passion for entertainment. I started part-time and quickly discovered that DJing was not just a hobby for me – it was something I loved. Over time, I became one of the top 20 DJs in the company, which gave me the confidence to take a leap and start my own business in 1987.
DJ LIFE: How did that go?
Zerambo: As my DJ business grew, I continued working full-time in the automotive industry as a regional manager at Snap-on Tools and eventually transitioned into the Department of Defense, where I balanced my full-time role with my entertainment career. The business continued to thrive, and I’m proud to say that Sir Charles is now a second full-time business, thanks to the support of my adult children. Today, I balance my work in public speaking, training, and leadership with my passion for entertainment, providing sound and DJ services for a variety of events, including large races and high-profile occasions. My journey from DJing part-time to growing a thriving business while serving and balancing my roles has been an exciting ride, and I’m grateful for the opportunities to blend both my passions and professions.
DJ LIFE: How many events does the company do annually? How many performers work for you now?
Zerambo: We do approximately 150 events, and I personally do 50 to 60. We have six DJs, eight musicians, and four staff members.
DJ LIFE: What’s your percentage breakdown of events?
Zerambo: It’s 45-percent weddings, 30-percent racing events, and 25-percent corporate, schools and other events.
DJ LIFE: What DJ-gear set-up do you usually use?
Zerambo: The most-common set-up includes: Bose Pro 16 Speakers; Numark NS4FX Controller; Virtual DJ software; Windows PC; Sennheiser mic system; Soundswitch DMX controller; Both Tube Lighting;
Chauvet DJ 4BAR LT QuadBT ILS ; and Pro-X DJ booth.
DJ LIFE: What makes your company unique within your market?
Zerambo: At Sir Charles Entertainment, weddings, and event production are our two primary focuses. While having top-notch professional gear is essential, I believe the real secret to our success lies in the people behind the equipment. It’s the exceptional interpersonal skills and attention to detail that make our events memorable.
DJ LIFE: How does that happen?
Zerambo: We take great care in planning and executing every event, ensuring that we provide a personalized experience for each client. Our “Distinctive 3-P Recipe for Success” is what sets us apart: Distinctive People, a Distinctive Process, and a Distinctive Production. Each of these elements ensures a seamless, unforgettable event. Additionally, we’ve been honored as the People’s Choice in our market for five consecutive years, which speaks to the lasting positive impression we leave on both our clients and their guests. That kind of recognition is a reflection of our dedication to delivering an exceptional experience every time.
DJ LIFE: How does your company market itself these days?
Zerambo: Networking and collaboration have been the most effective form of marketing. I am on the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Delaware Chapter of National Association for Catering & Events aka NACE, which has led to becoming a preferred vendor at many of the region’s event spaces. I am also a captain of a couple of running clubs in the Greater Philadelphia area and this has led Sir Charles to be part of the racing community, allowing us to become a premier sound and announcer provider for many of the running and cycling events in the area handling races from 100 to 10,000 participants.
DJ LIFE: How has the business changed?
Zerambo: The past few years have brought both challenges and growth. After the pandemic, there was a surge in demand for events, especially weddings, although corporate events were slower to recover due to initial shifts to virtual and hybrid formats. We’ve seen events become more personalized and intimate, with technology integration, such as live-streaming, becoming standard. Clients are also prioritizing safety, leading to a rise in outdoor venues. While weddings have declined due to fewer couples meeting and socializing during the pandemic, our racing events have become a key source of recurring revenue. As a premier provider for running and cycling events in the Greater Philadelphia area, these events ensure a steady income stream year over year.
DJ LIFE: You’ve become quite the public speaker – where did that begin?
Zerambo: It began when the local Chamber of Commerce invited me to share how I launched my DJ business and tips for start-up entrepreneurs. That experience ignited my passion for presenting, leading me to take public speaking and acting classes, which sharpened my delivery and heightened my awareness of body language. I also studied professional-development workshops, observing not only the content, but how presenters delivered their material, which helped me refine my own style.
DJ LIFE: Where has this taken you?
Zerambo: During my career as a regional manager with Snap-on Tools, I traveled nationwide delivering presentations on sales, best practices in business, and interpersonal skills. I’ve also earned several certifications, including being a Ziglar Legacy Certified Trainer, which reflects my commitment to personal development and leadership excellence. Today, as the Training Program Manager for Troop Support with the Defense Logistics Agency, I lead programs like the Leadership Academy, Resilience Training, and Mentoring Program. Additionally, I present workshops in the entertainment and events space for NACE and DJX, sharing insights on leadership, marketing, and collaboration. These diverse experiences have been a tremendous asset to the DJ industry, allowing me to bring fresh perspectives on professionalism, client engagement, and adaptability. They’ve helped me build strong networks, become a trusted educator, and contribute to elevating the standards within the entertainment space. Public speaking has become a cornerstone of my professional and personal journey, enabling me to connect, educate, and inspire diverse audiences across industries.
DJ LIFE: You’re a veteran and you still do government work. What was your service time like and where has it taken you?
Zerambo: I served a single term primarily at Fort Dix as a Light Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic in the U.S. Army. Today, I also work as the Training Program Manager for Troop Support assigned to the Defense Logistics Agency. My role includes running the Leadership Academy, Resilience Training, and Mentoring Program.
DJ LIFE: How has your armed-forces experience impacted your DJ business?
Zerambo: My military background has shaped not only how I conduct business, but also how I prioritize giving back to the community. It has driven me to ensure that my company, Sir Charles Distinctive Entertainment & DJ Services, plays an active role in supporting veterans and their families, while always honoring the commitment and sacrifice of those who serve. It has had a profound impact on my business and how I approach community service. Having taken the same oath as my brothers and sisters in arms to protect and serve, I carry a deep respect and dedication to supporting those who have served.
DJ LIFE: How so?
Zerambo: Over the years, I’ve worked actively to assist veterans, including coordinating with local food banks, the VA Hospital Social Services in Philadelphia, and the Veterans Multi-Service Center of Philadelphia to obtain, pick up, and deliver prepackaged food provisions to veterans in need. This hands-on work demonstrates my commitment to ensuring veterans are supported in practical and meaningful ways.
For the past decade, I’ve served as the Philadelphia Outreach and Program Coordinator for Project Giveback. In this role, I’ve focused on raising awareness and resources for Gold Star Families, Military Elderly, seniors affected by natural disasters, and children of fallen heroes. One of the projects I’m most proud of was organizing charity race fundraisers in the Philadelphia area. These events not only raised critical funds, but also brought the community together in support of those who served. I utilized my entertainment resources, recruiting the local band Barefoot Bobby and the Breakers, as well as my DJ team, to provide free entertainment for military and veterans, ensuring they felt appreciated and respected.
DJ LIFE: You were recently given the Spirit of Hope Award. How did that happen and what does that mean to you?
Zerambo: I was nominated by the Office of the Secretary of Defense as the Command Support Office was aware of my external efforts to support our warfighters, veterans, and their families. When I found out about the nomination, I honestly did not think it would go past the initial review, as I deemed my contributions as “just doing what I do” without the expectation of exceptional recognition; I think that the Boy Scouts of America’s Scouting program and being a dedicated Eagle Scout, launched me into my lifelong commitment to helping other people at all times. Simply put, my joy is bringing joy to others. That said, being honored at the Pentagon was one of the proudest moments of my life.
DJ LIFE: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Zerambo: In approximately five years, I plan to retire from the Department of Defense and gradually transition into semi-retirement from Sir Charles Distinctive Entertainment & DJ Services. As part of my succession plan, much of the day-to-day operations will be managed by my children and/or staff. To ensure the continuation of our distinctive customer-service legacy, we will rely on well-established systems and processes that have been key to our success. This will allow us to maintain the high standards of service our clients expect, while I focus more on traveling for speaking engagements and workshops. My goal is to continue growing the business in new ways, while sharing my knowledge through public speaking and mentoring. I aim to ensure that Sir Charles remains a thriving company with a strong foundation for the future, while also enjoying the opportunity for leisure travel during my semi-retirement.