Alex Alas
As a 10 year-old boy at Concord’s Meadow Homes Elementary school, Alex Alas didn’t know what recess was. When the children would go out to the playground, he would sit at his desk wondering what was going on. You see, Alex had just arrived from El Salvador and didn’t speak English. He was seperated from his parents for four years as they laid down the foundation of their lives here so they could bring Alex and his brother the U.S..
Through hard work and determination Alex picked up English over the next two years. Knowing the language isn’t always enough, though. With his father’s health failing, Alex began to lose interest in school and nearly dropped out to go to work. His history teacher saw something special in him and took him under her wing. She convinced him to apply for scholarship money so he could attend De La Salle.
Alex was assisted by numerous companies and no less than Green Bay Packer quarterback Brett Favre himself to help pay for approximately 80% of the tuition necessary. Not that Alex is a football player himself. He was cut from the Spartans squad only to receive a call that same night from the cross country coach. The coach was impressed with Alex’s stamina. He said he saw something in Alex and invited him to the next day’s meet. Alex was not interested. Alex's mom was. Alex went. He finished fifth out of 100 runners (cue: "Chariots of Fire").
His running career was cut short by his father's health once again during his sophomore year. He quit the team and went to work to help his family. He had learned his work ethic from parents who worked two jobs each. He was helping his girlfirend out with her cleaning business when he was approached by a business owner who (do you get the theme by now?) saw something in him. He asked for Alex's resume. A few weeks later, Alex had the job he still works at during the week managing freight for a logistics company. It was, in fact, at that logistics company that Denon & Doyle's own Patrick McMichael saw something in Alex and invited him to check us out.
One of the keys to Alex's success is his constant positive movement. He bought a house with his brother at the tender age of 20 and is preparing for his first kickboxing fight in competition. Oh, and he'll be flying to the moon while working on a cure for cancer in early 2010.
Funny -- all this time spent learning the language and it seems Alex still doesn't seem to know what recess is.
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"The wedding was wonderful and the music was awesome. My family loves to party and said nothing but nice things about Alex. I did give a few of my friends Denon and Doyles number. Thank you so much again!"
-Trista Manchester, Martinelli Event Center, September 19, 2009
"Alex was the best dj i have ever had!!! I would use him over and over again!!!!He made my party so fun!!!! Tell him thanks again!!!! you guys are the best."
-Stephanie McNabb, Primp Salon, August 29, 2009
"Thank you for following up with us. We had an amazing time and Alex was fabulous! We were so happy with everything he did... even things that we asked last minute. He was extremely flexible and we appreciated it. Again, thanks so much. We are off to Italy now! "
-Steve & Melinda, San Francisco City Club, August 22, 2009
"Everyone had a great time and Alex was wonderful, he knew how to get people up and dance and keep them on the dance floor."
-Megan Williams, San Francisco City Club, July 25, 2009
"Thank you !!! Alex was amazing:)"
-Julie Rubio, Orinda Masonic Center, June 12, 2009
"Thank you so much for all your help with this. I have heard nothing but rave reviews! Alex was fantastic!"
-Kasey Howe, Scotts Gardens, January 31, 2009
"Alex was very sweet and easy to work with, so all good there! He played mostly the music I had selected and everyone had a fantastic time dancing -- too bad it had to end so early:)
We're still recovering a bit from all the build up, but are settling happily into married life, thank you."
-Becky Conzet, San Francisco Film Center, September 27, 2008
"We are off on our honeymoon tomorrow early am (Monday) but wanted to express 2 things:
1. Everyone REALLY enjoyed Alex, our dj. His music was great, but he was also very nice-- and even helped our caterer bring the food in!
2. When we return, we would like him to receive a tip from us."
-Armando del Rio, San Francisco Design Center, July 19, 2008
"The party was a hit. Friend's and family had a great time and are still talking about it. I do want to let you know that Alex was great. He was very professional and did an excellent job in playing all the right music that was requested."
-Bonnie Preciado, Bothwell Performance Arts Center, March 29, 2008
"let me tell you that Gracie and Alex did a wonderful job!! They really kept everyone dancing and everyone had a great time. I am so thankful to both of them. I can't tell you enough how happy we are with Dennon and Doyle, can you please thank them for their phenomenal service!!"
-Cynthia Melara, Palm Event Center, November 18, 2007
"Alex you are the best DJ. You did such a wonderful job at our wedding. We were so lucky to have you. We received so many compliments on your ability to pick great music and engage the crowd. We had so much fun dancing all night. We will definitely recommend you to everyone we know! Thanks again for everything. We really appreciate it!"
-Melissa Rump, Bridges Restaurant, October 20, 2007
"Our wedding was awesome! Actually, I have been meaning to write to Denon & Doyle to say thanks, so I am glad we got your email. Please let Alex know that he did an amazing job and we (as well as our guests) thought it was a really well done, really fun reception. I would be happy to recommend both Alex and Denon & Doyle any time."
-Sabrina Juarez, Radisson Hotel - Sacramento, October 6, 2007
"I think this is a first -- so far NOT one complaint! So Alex, AWESOME! Teachers complimented the sanitized music -- better than we've had in a while. We will recommend Alex for our next dance."
-Mt View High School, August 24, 2007
"The party was a huge hit! Alex did a great job and the kids had a wonderful time. They danced most of the night. Alex was more than willing to make the necessary announcements- if you are a new driver, you need to leave because it is almost 11:00, etc. - and based on the amount of dancing, he seemed to play great music. We will definitely keep you in our resource file for future events."
-Pam Zitterman, Private Residence, June 2, 2007
"As always, Alex and Bryan were wonderful! They had the crowd really going with the music, were courteous to everybody and were a great help to our two belly dancers when they needed their music played. Denon and Doyle has become our "go-to" dj company and will be the first one's that we call! Thank you as always for a wonderful job!"
-Kelly Sargent, Palace Hotel, May 19, 2007
"Everything was real nice I was pretty happy. we had so much fun! Alex was extremely helpful! thank you so much for everything!"
-Claudi Huerta Lazo, Embassy Suites Burlingame, April 14, 2007
"My party last night was a blast and Alex was a great dj. Just wanted to say thank you really quick and you guys did a fantastic job!"
-Austin Abbruscato, Wente Vineyards, January 5, 2007
"We had so much fun at our wedding. Please tell Chad and Alex they were awesome. The honeymoon game was a real hit with everyone -- they are still talking about it. Also, all my girlfriends loved the times we were dancing so thanks for playing some great hits!!!"
-Natalie Zee, 1 Fort Mason, October 7, 2006