Sean Kootsey knows what it's like to stand out. After graduating college, he spent a year in Japan, just outside Tokyo (which, if you've ever been, you realize is like saying just beyond the Pacific Ocean because Tokyo just... keeps... going...). He taught English there which was a good choice since his Japanese, when he arrived, consisted of: "Do itashi mashite", which means "you're welcome" and, when pronounced, sounds like: "don't touch my moustache".
Why did he choose Japan? Because it was absolutely the opposite of the U.S. -- food, culture, preferences, you name it. Everything in Japan is about the group and teamwork as opposed to the typical U.S. "pull yourself up by your bootstrap" mantra.
At 6'3+", Sean is tall but doesn't exactly tower here in the states. In Tokyo -- 1989 Tokyo in particular -- however, he was a freak show. The explosive attention he received was fun for nearly a week, at which point Sean began playing "Turning Japanese" repeatedly in his walkman in a vain attempt to fit in better. He did learn how to understand a solid 75% of what he heard by the time he was leaving, though he admits he was nowhere near fluent. He suffered from the "look it's an American!" ailment where Japanese people would all rush him to speak broken English. He'd reply in broken Japanese. After a few warm smiles, they'd tire of asking each other's name and how they were doing and go eat sushi. By the by, Sean went to Japan with no stomach for the stuff -- now he can't get enough.
Back in the states, Sean returned to his alma mater to earn his master's degree. He has since taught, been a principal, and been part of a startup tech company that... well, you know how the bulk of those went. His most recent startup, marriage, however, is going swimmingly. He and his wife recently purchased a house and Sean deposits his checks directly to Home Depot. He stands out just right here at Denon & Doyle.
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"Everything was amazing!!!! Thank you so much for make the night so special... you and your entire team made everything flow so nicely:) Troy and I really loved they way you took care of us... you are a great person and it was a pleasure having you at our wedding."
- Danyll & Troy Tulowitzki, Sharon Heights Country Club, November 7, 2009
"Sean was fantastic! We really did have the best time at our wedding. Sean was very good at reading the crowd and keeping the party going.
My thanks to Sean, to you and the rest of your staff. You all made it soo easy!"
-Jennifer Outman, Mountain Terrace, October 3, 2009
"Thank you so much for everything -- we had a blast! It went by way to fast. Dinner took longer than we had expected thus Sean was not able to play all of our requests to no fault of his own. He did make me a couple of cd's with our requests on them which was a really pleasant surprise. Everything was set up before we arrived which was great as well. The only complaints we heard about were in reference to the ceremony mic which cut in and out (of course at opportune times) and that he did not make the announcements loud enough so our guests missed some key events (i.e. cake cutting, guarder/bouquet toss). Otherwise, I thought he was wonderful and mellow and very accommodating to our needs. Thank you again and best for the future!"
-Sara & Derek, 25 Degrees Brix, July 18, 2009
"Everything was great! Sean did a wonderful job."
-Audrey Pearson, Dunsmuir House, June 20, 2009
"Sean was an absolute doll! He was friendly, professional, and read the crowd well. Plus a lot of the ladies said he was not bad to look at! He was great, money well spent."
-Karin Janesson, Sonoma Coast Villa, April 25, 2009
"Just wanted to report that the client was extremely happy with Sean and the party was a huge success."
-Taste Catering, NEA, December 12, 2008
"There is a great buzz about the event and it was a huge success. Sean was great and played music that we like and listened to the crowd! He also promptly took care of my requests when needed."
-Marnell Fabela, Kohl Mansion, December 6, 2008
"The event went great and we look forward to working with you again in the future."
-Brad Hansen, AT&T Park, December 3, 2008
"Thank you so much for all of the help. Sean was WONDERFUL!!!! The event went flawlessly. I look forward to working with you again."
-Teresa Olson, Ritz-Carlton, November 8, 2008
"A very professional job. I have no complaints at all!"
-Carol Saltzman, Private Residence, August 23, 2008
"We were very happy with Sean and his contribution to the party. He provided a great background for the party, played all my parent's favorites, and helped me with the party transitions throughout the evening. I thought he did a great job and as I said, we were all very pleased with your service."
-Lisa Villarreal, Oakhust Country Club, July 26, 2008
"Kevin's a freak'ng rockstar and so was Sean... they made everything seemless and PERFECT!!!!!"
-Gwen Silverbach, Merchant Exchange Bldg, July 20, 2008