Ryan Cohen

There’s more to keeping a DJ business afloat than the DJs! While they’re coordinating with clients and couples, organizing playlists and rocking dance floors, there’s a small crew behind the scenes handling the day-to-day operations and keeping the gears oiled. 

One of the key members of that operations team is Ryan Cohen, who came on board to help his old friend Jordan Solender (founder of Maryland’s DJ) in this venture. Ryan and Jordan have been friends since they were about knee-high and went to Pikesville High School together. 

After high school, Ryan attended Towson University to study biology. He spent a year doing research for the National Institute of Health, before getting a job in pharmaceutical sales. By day, he connects with neurologists, psychiatrists, and other doctors to help them to find the right medications for their patients. And by night, he gets to put his sales skills to “more exciting use” (his words, not ours) as part of the Maryland’s DJ Sales & Operations team! 

Ryan helps couples find the best DJ for them from our ever-expanding roster, and makes sure they have the right extras to make their party pop, like uplighting or a photo booth. Ryan is a total pro, bringing the skills he’s built in the corporate world to our clients. “Service” is practically his middle name. 

Why take on the extra gig? It’s simple. “I believe in Jordan and the company he has built,” Ryan says. And who wouldn’t want to work with someone they’ve been friends with since they were five years old?

Ryan is clearly the kind of guy that likes a full plate. On top of his two business ventures, he’s also a husband and father to a 20-month-old daughter, Olivia. And there’s another baby on the way, due in May 2022! He loves being a “girl dad,” and a dog dad too, to German Shepherd Drogo.  

“Having a kid has changed my day-to-day and hobbies a bit,” he says. “But I love traveling and being outdoors with my family, going on beautiful hikes and seeing the world.” And when he’s home, he’s cheering on the Ravens (obviously). 

Here are a few of Ryan’s thoughts about weddings and music, so you can get to know this Maryland native just a bit better!

What’s your favorite thing about weddings?

The food! 

I love family and friends getting together when they otherwise might not see each other for years and having a great time they can remember.

If you were getting married this weekend, what would your first dance song be? 

You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne. It was our first dance at our wedding in 2017.

‍

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen at a wedding?

The couple smashing cake in each other’s faces and hair, completely ruining all hairstyling and makeup. Or the 40-50mph gusts on the beach (at our wedding).

Pro tip: We encourage couples to do whatever makes them happy on their wedding day! Just make sure you’re both on the same page about the cake smashing BEFORE attempting, okay? 

What's your favorite wedding movie and why?

Has to be Wedding Crashers, right?! Amazing movies, actors, and the location was shot right in St. Michaels, MD!

When you're not working, what kind of music do you listen to?

My favorite Sirium XM stations are 90s on 9, Pop Rocks (2000s), Octane (Hard/alternative rock for if I'm in a hurry 😊 ), and Dave Matthews Radio. Maybe some Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Pepper, or Sublime if it's nice outside! 

Ryan is a huge asset to the team, and we’re so glad to have him! When you contact Maryland’s DJ, you may get in touch with Ryan to help guide you through the first stages of the process. Then, he’ll connect you with the perfect DJ to make your dance floor dreams come true! To get started, fill out our online form or call us at (301) 968-0965.