We celebrate the inspiring journeys of individuals who turn their dreams into reality. Today, we are excited to introduce Travis Stancil, a dynamic entertainment mogul and business guru who has built a nationally recognized production company from the ground up.
Once a small-town ballroom dance teacher, Travis has transformed his passion into a successful empire that spans luxury cruise lines, Las Vegas residencies, Broadway shows, and national tours. His story is a testament to resilience and ambition, and he shares three pivotal tips for success that can empower anyone in the performing arts and beyond.
Take Action
Travis’s journey began at the young age of 20 when he produced his first show, an opportunity that would set the stage for his future successes. The director of a local theater reached out to him, offering to suspend his upfront deposit and cover all expenses from ticket sales, agreeing to settle those costs out of the show’s profits. With no prior experience in directing or producing, Travis took a leap of faith. He successfully sold hundreds of tickets for a large theater in a short period, generating a significant profit.
This experience taught him the importance of seizing opportunities, regardless of the fear of failure. Travis emphasizes that many aspiring performers and producers wait for the ideal moment or conditions. Instead, he advocates for taking action. He often conducts simple exercises during his master classes with young dancers: holding up a $100 bill and challenging them to come forward and take it. He explains that while he may have to repeat this several times before someone steps up, the lesson is clear—successful individuals do not wait for opportunities; they stand up and take action.
Travis encourages aspiring artists to be proactive. “The difference between people who succeed and those who don’t is action. Don’t sit and wait for something to come to you; go out and grab it,” he advises.
Listen and Fail Fast
Travis’s journey was not without its challenges. From ages 18 to 24, he faced hundreds, if not thousands, of failures, with only a few successes to show for his efforts. However, he believes that failure is the teacher. Each setback provided valuable lessons that shaped his understanding of the industry and refined his approach to business.
He reflects on his early years, stating, “Most people from 18 to 24 are just taking life day by day, but I was actively trying to build something greater.” This proactive mindset allowed him to learn from his failures, ultimately leading to the start of a successful business at the age of 25.
Travis emphasizes the importance of embracing failure and using it as a stepping stone to growth. “Never be afraid of failing; it’s life’s teacher. Millionaire and billionaire entrepreneurs will tell you that the fastest path to success involves failing and learning faster than others,” he explains. By accepting failure as part of the journey, Travis has developed a successful production company that continues to thrive.
Understand Money and Scale
As a dance teacher, Travis realized early on that financial freedom requires understanding how money works and the importance of scaling one’s efforts. He refers to the “lid method,” which involves removing limitations on one’s potential.
At 18, Travis charged $25 per dance lesson, capping his potential income. He quickly recognized that he could do better. By analyzing the earnings of high-level instructors, he understood that financial freedom comes from creating income streams that do not depend solely on trading time for money. He encourages aspiring artists to seek ways to generate income through events, products, or services that allow them to scale their earnings.
“The key to financial freedom is finding ways to make money without having to trade time,” Travis explains. He asserts that individuals can achieve unimaginable success by taking the lid off one’s life and recognizing the growth potential.
The Stance Productions Empire
Travis’s journey from a modest start to building his production company reflects the influence of his guiding principles: taking action, learning from failure, and understanding how to scale. Stance Productions has become synonymous with excellence in the entertainment industry, producing high-profile events such as gala weddings and fundraisers and touring shows that showcase incredible talent.
Through his company, Travis has achieved personal success and provided opportunities for others in the performing arts. He has built a network of performers and professionals who contribute to the success of his productions, allowing them to thrive and fulfill their dreams.
His story is an inspiring example of how dedication and perseverance can lead to meaningful success. Travis graduated in the bottom 4% of his class and faced financial struggles growing up. Still, his drive, dreams, and relentless pursuit of success propelled him forward into the thriving entrepreneur he is today.
A Final Thought
As Travis reflects on his journey, he emphasizes a critical lesson: “A winner is just a loser who tried one more time. Never give up.” He encourages aspiring artists and entrepreneurs to apply his three tips to their craft, business, and future endeavors. With determination and resilience, they too can carve their paths to success.
In conclusion, Travis Stancil’s story is one of inspiration, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that anyone can create their own success story. By taking action, embracing failure, and understanding money mechanics, individuals can unlock their potential and build thriving careers in the entertainment industry and beyond. As Travis continues to embark on bold new productions and entertainment endeavors for the future, including Las Vegas residencies, Broadway shows, and national tours (all upcoming projects in the works), he serves as a shining example of what is possible when one dares to dream big and take action.
